Cooking grill with counterbalancing hood

ABSTRACT

A grill or BBQ appliance that is generally intended for outdoor use has a pivoting hood disposed in hinged connection with a grill body, both of which are raised above a firebox that receives a food support grate. The hood may include a counterbalance mechanism to stably position the hood through a range of open positions. The hood may further include an opening or closing assist to assist a user in opening or closing the hood.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This patent application is a continuation application under 35 U.S.C. §111(a) of International Application No. PCT/US2016/068531, filed Dec.23, 2016. International Application No. PCT/US2016/068531 claims thebenefit of the filing date under 35 U.S.C. § 119(e) of U.S. ProvisionalPatent Application No. 62/387,494, filed Dec. 23, 2015, the contents ofboth of which are hereby incorporated by reference into thisspecification.

TECHNOLOGY

The present application relates to cooking grills, such as outdoorcooking grills, including hood counterbalance mechanisms configured tostably position the hood in a wide range of angular positions.

BACKGROUND

Cooking grills generally deploy a firebox enclosure for the combustionof fuel that have an upper rim. A grate is supported on the upper rim,and the grate in turn supports the food to be cooked. The fuel can bewood, pellets, charcoal, but may also be natural gas or liquid propanethat is fed into a lower portion of the firebox via a manifold. Thefirebox typically has lower perforations to allow for the admission ofair into the box to provide the oxygen that supports combustion of thefuel. Grills may also incorporate ceramic cones or briquettes betweenthe location of combustion and the grate. The briquettes are typicallysupported by a tray directly exposed to the flames, although notnecessarily in continuous contact with the flames. As the briquettes areheated, the briquettes radiate a portion of the heat toward the grate tothereby heat foods supported on the grate. The firebox and grate may becovered to conserve heat. One type of covering is a hinged overhead hoodthat extends from a lower rim at the periphery of the firebox upward toform a cavity for the food to be cooked or warmed. A hinge is typicallylocated along a side of hood and firebox to allow closure and trappingof heat and opening to add, evaluate, or turn foodstuffs during cooking,as well as removal of the foodstuffs after cooking.

A vent or other perforation may be provided in the hood for purposes ofventing hot combustion gas. The resulting hot combustion gas, includingwater (steam) and carbon dioxide, as well as heated air, rise upwardthrough the grate to escape from an upper hood area via one or morevents.

SUMMARY

In one aspect, a grilling apparatus includes a grill body, a hood, and acounterbalance mechanism. The grill body may include a firebox adaptedto burn a source of fuel below a food supporting region above thefirebox between forward, rear, and first and second lateral edges of anupper rim of the firebox. The hood may have an arm mounted to the grillbody at a pivot and pivotable thereon above the food supporting regionthrough an angular pivot range between a closed position and a fullyopen position. The counterbalance mechanism may stably counterbalancethe hood at partially open positions along a counterbalanced portion ofthe angular pivot range of the hood. The counter balance mechanism mayinclude a cam having a first end and a second end and a lever having afirst end and a second end. The first end of the cam may be coupled,which may include pivotably coupled, to the arm. The first end of thelever may be pivotably coupled to the second end of the cam. The levermay be biased to apply a counterbalance force to the arm via the camwith respect to the center of gravity (COG) of the hood along thecounterbalanced portion of the angular range.

One example, the counterbalanced portion of the angular pivot range mayextend between approximately greater than 0 degrees and approximately 60degrees from the closed position.

In another example, the counterbalanced portion of the angular pivotrange extends between approximately 6 degrees and approximately 65degrees from the closed position.

In various embodiments, the lever may be biased by a spring having afirst end mounted to the grill body and a second end mounted to a secondend of the lever. The lever may be movable relative to the first end ofthe spring to change the conformation of the spring. When the hood is inthe closed position the spring may be one of compressed or decompressedrelative to its resting position and pivoting of the second end of thecam relative to the first end of the lever changes the conformation ofthe spring toward its resting position.

In one embodiment, The lever may be movable relative to the first end ofthe spring to increase or decrease a distance between the first end andthe second end of the spring. When the hood is in the closed positionthe spring may be compressed from its resting position and pivoting ofthe second end of the cam relative to the first end of the lever maydecompress the spring toward its resting position.

In some embodiments, the grill body may include a frame member adjacentto and extending above the first lateral edge of the upper rim of thefirebox. The pivot may be fixedly mounted to the frame member. Thesecond end of the cam and the first end of the lever may relativelypivot within a cavity defined within the frame member.

In various embodiments, the COG of the hood may be forward of the pivotwhen the hood is in the closed position. In one example, thecounterbalanced portion of the angular pivot range extends from apartially open position wherein the COG of the hood is forward of thepivot to a partially open position wherein the COG of the hood isapproximately over the pivot.

In one embodiment, the COG of the hood may be forward of the pivot whenthe hood is in the closed position. The counterbalance mechanism mayprovide opening assist between the counterbalanced portion of theangular pivot range to a partially open position wherein the COG of thehood is approximately over the pivot.

In one example, a force of approximately 5 lbf or less is sufficient topivot the hood from fully closed position to the counterbalanced portionof the angular pivot range.

In one embodiment, the bias of the lever may provide opening assistbetween the closed position and the counterbalanced portion of theangular pivot range. A force of approximately 5 lbf or less may besufficient to pivot the hood from the closed position to thecounterbalanced portion of the angular pivot range.

One embodiment, the COG of the hood is forward of the pivot in theclosed position and rear of the pivot when the hood is in the fully openposition. The lever may provide a closing assist bias to arm between thefully open position and a partially open position wherein the COG of thehood is approximately over the pivot. A force of approximately 5 lbf orless may be sufficient to pivot the hood from fully open position to thecounterbalanced portion of the angular pivot range.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The novel features of the described embodiments are set forth withparticularity in the appended claims. The described embodiments,however, both as to organization and manner of operation, may be bestunderstood by reference to the following description, taken inconjunction with the accompanying drawings in which:

FIGS. 1A-1E illustrate various views of a cooking grill according tovarious embodiments, wherein FIG. 1A is a perspective view, FIG. 1B is across-sectional perspective view taken along plane 1B-IB in FIG. 1A,FIG. 1C is a cross-sectional perspective view taken along plane 1C-1C inFIG. 1A, FIG. 1D is an elevated front view of the cross-section shown inFIG. 1B, and FIG. 1E is a cross-sectional elevated side view taken alongplane 1E-1E in FIG. 1A;

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the grill shown in FIGS. 1A-1E with thehood in an open position showing the lights illuminating the foodsupporting region 108;

FIG. 3 is a partially cutaway side elevation view with hood partiallyopen showing flows of hot combustion from the firebox and IR burner;

FIG. 4 is another partial cutaway side elevation view showing variousaspects of the counterbalance mechanism disposed in a cavity in the sideof the grill body;

FIG. 5 is an isolated side elevation view of a counterbalance mechanismdisposed in a cavity in another side of the grill body;

FIG. 6 is an enlarged perspective view of a hinge arm to pivot couplingwith the arm cover removed;

FIG. 7 is an elevated view of a hinge arm to pivot coupling with the armcover removed showing various features of a rotary contact;

FIG. 8 is a schematic illustration of the operative principles of acounterbalance mechanism used to stabilize a hood over a range of openpositions;

FIGS. 9A-9G illustrate the sequential pivoting of a hood, wherein FIG.9A shows the hood in a closed position, FIGS. 9B-9E show the hood inpartially open positions, and FIG. 9G shows the hood in a completelyopen position;

FIGS. 10A & 10B are perspective and plan views of a food support gratemodule;

FIGS. 11A-11D illustrate various views of a radiant tray according tovarious embodiments, wherein FIG. 11A is a first end view, FIG. 11B is asecond end view, FIG. 11C is a side view, and FIG. 11D is an explodedperspective view;

FIG. 12 is a perspective view of a radiant tray according to variousembodiments;

FIG. 13 is a magnified cross-section of a radiant tray showing housingwalls retaining a tile according to various embodiments;

FIGS. 14A & 14B illustrate various views of a tile according to variousembodiments, wherein FIG. 14A is an end view and FIG. 14B is aperspective view;

FIGS. 15A & 15B illustrate various views of a radiant tray according tovarious embodiments, wherein FIG. 15A is an end view, FIG. 15B is a sideview, and FIG. 15C is an exploded perspective view;

FIG. 16 is an exploded perspective view of a radiant tray according tovarious embodiments;

FIG. 17 illustrates a magnified cross-section of a radiant tray showinghousing walls retaining a tile according to various embodiments; and

FIGS. 18A & 18B illustrate various views of a tile according to variousembodiments, wherein FIG. 18A a perspective view and FIG. 18B is an endview.

FIG. 19 is a perspective view of a preferred embodiment of a burnermanifold;

FIGS. 20A & 20B are front and back elevation views of the views of theburner assembly of FIG. 11;

FIG. 21 is a cross-sectional elevated side view of a grill taken alongplane 1E-1E in FIG. 1A showing a modular configuration wherein a burnermodular assembly and radiant tray have been; and

FIGS. 22A & 22B illustrates bottom views of radiant trays positionedover gas burner manifolds according to various embodiments.

DESCRIPTION

Controlling temperature of a cooking grill may be performed bymanipulating a gas valve to adjust gas flow to a manifold or burner.However, it may be desirable to cook with a hood that is partly open tovary air flow and exhaust and to further improve temperature control forgrilling. Prior methods of maintaining a hood in an open positioninclude utilizing brackets inserted between an upper rim of a fireboxand a lower rim of a hood. However, such brackets may be lost, damaged,or may become hot and pose a safety hazard to users. In one aspect, thepresent disclosure describes methods and apparatus for maintaining agrill hood in a partly open position without the need for a separatebracket or spacer between the grill hood and the firebox rim.

When cooking in dark environments or when cooking with a partially openhood, it may be desirable to provide light onto the food supportingregion 108. According to various embodiments, the present disclosureprovides methods and apparatus for providing light onto a cookingsurface when a grill hood is pivoted or at a partially open position.

According to various embodiments, the present disclosure furtherdescribes cooking grills and methods thereof for improved heatdistribution to food from below the food support grate/surface as wellas from above.

The various improved cooking devices, features, and methods aredescribed herein with reference to FIGS. 1A-22B, wherein like referencenumerals refer to like components in the various views.

A cooking device, generally depicted as grill 100, may be generallyintended for outdoor use; however, grill 100 and one or more of itsaccompanying features may be similarly applied to other cooking devicesor appliances generally intended for indoor use. Indeed, upon readingthe present disclosure, those having skill in the art will appreciatethat the various features described herein, with reference to thedrawings, may be applied singly or in combination. Thus, particularfeatures disclosed herein are not to be construed as being necessary orrequired with respect to other disclosed features or combinations offeatures unless indicated otherwise or necessarily flowing therefrom.

With particular reference to FIGS. 1A-2, grill 100 includes a grill body101. The grill body 101 includes a firebox 130 dimensioned to house agas burner assembly 190 comprising one or more modular gas burnermanifolds 190 a, 190 b, 190 c for combusting a gas fuel and thereingenerate heat for cooking. Firebox 130 is further dimensioned to receivea food support grate 140 a. For example, upper rim 131 is adapted tosupport a food support grate 140 a along a lateral plane that defines afood supporting region 108 above the firebox 130 between left 131 a,right 131 b, forward 131 c, and rear 131 d edges of the upper rim 131.The upper rim 131 may include lips, ledges, or other structures tosupport grates 140 a along one or more of the edges 131 a, 131 b, 131 c,131 d. A user of grill 100 may interface with controls provided at userinterface 260 to ignite combustible gas, modify gas flow provided to theburner assembly 190, or gas burner manifolds 190 a, 190 b, 190 cthereof, via gas valves 261, or to perform other operations.

In various embodiments, grill 100 may include or be adapted to receive afood support grate 140 a, which may include one or more removable foodsupport modules 141. For example, as indicated in FIG. 1B, food supportgrate 140 a may include one or more removable food support modules 141,141′, 141″. Grill 100 may also include an upper food support grate 140b, which may also have one or more removable food support modules 141′″.The upper food support grate 140 b may be positionable above a rearportion of food support grate 140 a corresponding to a rear portion 108a of the food support region 108. In the illustrated embodiment, grill100 also includes accessory burners 199 and accessory food support grate140 c defining a separate food supporting region adjacent to firebox130.

Grill 100 further includes a hood 110 pivotably mounted to grill body101 along left side 101 a, right side 101 b, or both about at least onepivot 104, 104′ (see, e.g., FIG. 1E). Hood 110 includes a handle 115that may be grasped by an operator to pivot hood 110 about pivot 104,104′ between a closed position, as shown in FIGS. 1A-1E, and one or moreopen positions as shown in FIG. 2, for example. FIGS. 9A-9G furtherillustrate an opening sequence from a closed position (FIG. 9A) to openpositions (FIGS. 9B-9G). Hood 110 may be pivotable over portions offirebox 130 and rear housing 120 to expose forward and rear portions 108a, 108 b of the food supporting region 108.

One or more hinge arms 150, 150′ may mount hood 110 at pivot 104, 104′.As shown in FIGS. 1A-1E, an arm 150, 150′ is provided on each of theleft side 110 a and right side 110 b of hood 110 and therealongpivotably connect to grill body 101 along respective left and rightsides 120 a, 120 b of rear housing 120. In particular, hood 110 mountsto grill body 101 at one or more frame members 161 a, 161 b. Otherstable locations may be used such as to rear housing 120 or anotherlocation, which may or may not be attached to rear housing 120. Asdescribed in more detail below, hood 110 may be configured with acounterbalance mechanism 160 (see, e.g., FIG. 4) that balances thecenter of gravity (COG) of hood 110 through all or a portion of itsrange of motion about pivot 104, 104′.

Firebox 130 may optionally be adapted to receive a radiant tray 200.Radiant tray 200 may be positioned within firebox 130 between the gasburner assembly 190 and food support grate 140 a. As shown, firebox 130includes forward and rear ledges 132 a, 132 b (FIG. 1D) onto whichradiant tray 200 may be positioned. Combustion of the gas at gas burnermanifolds 190 a, 190 b, 190 c generates flames and heat below radianttray 200 that heat radiant tray 200, including radiant materials housedin radiant tray 200. The heated radiant materials then radiate the heattoward the food support grate 140 a. In this way, radiant tray 200 mayradiate more uniform heat along the food support grate 140 a than itreceives from the flames and hot combustion gases. Incorporation ofradiant tray 200 may also protect the gas burner assembly 190 fromgrease and other food debris that fall into firebox 130.

Grill 100 may also be fitted with a rear housing 120 that extends arounda rear portion of firebox 130 and food support grate 140. In someembodiments, rear housing 120 may further include rear cover 120 c thatextends above the rear portion 108 b of the food supporting region 108,over firebox 130, food support grate 140 a, and upper food support grate140 b, e.g., as shown in FIGS. 1A-2. However, in some configurations,rear housing 120 may not include rear cover 120 c or may extend more orless forward than illustrated.

Rear housing 120 may also be adapted to support the upper food supportgrate 140 b or modules 141′″ thereof. For example, as shown in FIG. 1D,mounts 122 for supporting a food support module 141′″ of the upper foodsupport grate 140 b are disposed along the interior side 124 a of rearwall 120 d and sides 120 a, 120 b of rear housing 120. Mounts 122 may bestructured to engage upper food support grate 140 b via one or morebrackets, slots, latches, hooks, grooves, compression fitments, clamps,welds, or other suitable arrangement to support the upper grate 140 b.Mounts 122 may also be structured to support the upper food supportgrate 140 b at a variety of heights. For example, as shown in FIGS. 1B &1D, mounts 122 may include three levels of mounting hooks along rearwall 120 d and sides 120 a, 120 b. In another example, mounts 122 areselectively adjustable by vertically sliding mounts 122 along tracks. Instill another example, mounts 122 may include slots through which uppergrate 140 b may vertically slide along when a forward edge of the grate140 b is tilted above the horizontal and remain at a selected heightalong the slot when returned to the horizontal. Thus, in variousembodiments, a user may insert upper grate 140 b in upper portion 121 ata desired distance from the IR burner 180, when so equipped.

In various embodiments, grill 100 may be equipped for rotisseriecooking. As most clearly depicted in FIGS. 1C, ID, 3, & 4, rotaryreceiving hubs 126 a, 126 b for a rotisserie spit may be positionedalong sides 120 a, 120 b of rear housing 120. One or more spits (notshown) may be selectively connected to and between hubs 126 a, 126 b andthereon rotated.

With reference to hubs 126 a, 126 b may be rotatably mounted to framemembers 161 a, 161 b positioned along sides 110 a, 110 b of grill 100.FIGS. 3 & 4 illustrate the operation of left hub 126 b; however, grill100 may include similar or different structures with respect to theoperation of right hub 126 a. For example, one or both of the hubs 126a, 126 b may be rotationally fixed relative to a gear or sprocket 127.In the illustrated embodiment, a chain 129 engages sprocket 127 and adrive motor 128 to couple the output of drive motor 128 to the sprocket127, which in-turn couples the rotation to hub 126 b. Sprocket 127 isalso positioned within an interior cavity 162 (FIG. 6) of frame member161 a. Hub 126 a may similarly be rotationally fixed relative to anothersprocket 127 along side 120 a, which may be engaged by another chain 129coupled to the output of drive motor 128 or another drive motor 128. Inone embodiment, a single drive motor 128 may drive one of the hubs 126a, 126 b and the other hub 126 a, 126 b may freely rotate and becoupleable to the rotation of the other hub 126 a, 126 b by whenconnected by a spit extending between the two.

As introduced above, grill 100 may include one or more infrared (IR)burners 180 positioned to heat food within the cooking area. IR burners180 may be in addition to or instead of gas burners of gas burnerassembly 190 located in the firebox 130. For example, in one embodiment,grill 100 may include a lower IR burner (see, e.g., IR burner 180 a FIG.21) positionable within firebox 130. Grill 100 may further include gasburner assembly 190 where the assembly 190 or manifolds 190 a, 190 b,190 c thereof may be selectively removed and replaced with the lower IRburner to perform high heat tasks such as searing. In another example,grill 100 does not include a gas burner assembly 190.

In embodiments, including both a gas burner assembly 190 and an IRburner 180, the IR burner 180 may be operable to heat or cook food aloneor in combination with heat emitted from the gas burner assembly 190.For example, as most clearly shown in FIGS. 1C & 1D, grill 100 includesan IR burner 180 positioned within an IR burner housing 181 mountedwithin upper portion 121 of the rear housing 120. IR burner 180 is shownmounted to sides 120 a, 120 b of rear housing 120; however, IR burner180 may be mounted otherwise, e.g., to rear cover 120 c. IR burner 180faces downward toward the rear portion 108 b of the food supportingregion 108 to heat food supported on the upper food support grate 140 bor food support grate 140 a. In embodiments including a rotisserie spit,IR burner 180 may be used to heat food positioned on the spit.

In various embodiments, IR burner 180 may be positioned at a downwardtilt angle between approximately 0 degrees and approximately 30 degreesfrom vertical. Unless indicated otherwise, identified measurementsmodified by “approximately” mean the identified measurement or +/−5% ofthe measurement and is in no way intended to limit availableequivalents. The tilt angle may be fixed or may be adjustable. Forexample, IR burner 180 may be adjustably mounted to rear housing 120such that its tilt angle may be selectively adjusted within a predefinedrange, such as between 0 degrees and 30 degrees from vertical in theforward direction, rearward direction, or both, such as from 0 degreesto approximately 15 or 12 degrees forward downward tilt. For example,the IR burner 180 shown in FIG. 1D is positioned at a downward tiltangle of approximately 12 degrees forward. A knob may be provided toallow a user to rotate housing 181 to a desired downward tilt angle. Inone embodiment, the housing 181 is operatively coupled to a motor thatmay be interfaced by a user to adjust the tilt angle. In anotherembodiment, the downward tilt angle is fixed at approximately 12 degrees(+/−2 degrees) in the forward direction.

IR burner housing 181 may also include a rotisserie storage compartment182 structured to store a rotisserie spit when not in use. It will beunderstood, that rotisserie storage compartment 182 may also be suitablefor storage of other grill or cooking components, such as kabobs,utensils, etc. In one example, storage compartment 182 may be an opencompartment along an exterior side of the housing 181. For example, asmost clearly shown in FIG. 1C, the illustrated housing 181 defines acompartment 182 along an upper exterior surface that forms a “V” tostore a spit. In this or another embodiment, compartment 182 may includea selectively positionable cover or door to open or close compartment182 to prevent debris such as grease splatters from entering thecompartment 182. Compartment 182 may also include a cavity or structuresdimensioned to receive the spit for storage. For example, compartment182 may include brackets, clamps, hooks, slots, compression fitments, orother suitable structures to retain the spit.

As described in more detail below, grill 100 may be configured to ventcombustion gases in a manner that avoids interferences with theoperation of IR burner 180. Combustion at IR burners may be limited dueto unavailability of air flow along one or more sides. Accordingly, invarious embodiments, grill 100 is configured to mount IR burner 180within the upper portion 121 of the rear housing 120 such that IR burneris open on at least three sides to allow ample air flow to supportcombustion. Open may include all or a portion of the length of a sidethat is spaced apart from structures impeding access of combustionsupporting air flows to the combustion area of the IR burner 180. Forexample, the forward side of the IR burner 180 is most open while therear side is also open, but to a lesser extent. The upper side beingspaced apart from the rear cover 120 c is also open such that air flow801 (FIG. 4) may flow along the rear cover 120 c to access thecombustion area of the IR burner 180. IR burner 180 may extend entirelyor partially across the width of the cooking area. In the illustratedembodiment, IR burner 180 mounts to rear cover 120 c and is spaced apartfrom sidewalls 120 a, 120 b. IR burner 180 extends about 70% to 80% ofthe width of the cooking area. Accordingly, right and left sides of IRburner 180 are also open.

Hood 110 and rear housing 120 may further be structured to provideexhaust of combustion gases when hood 110 is in the closed position andopen positions. For example, with reference to FIGS. 1C, 3, & 4, hood110 is pivotable with respect to rear housing 120 such that adequateexhaust and venting is provided over a wide range of open positions.These paths are illustrated by arrows 401 (FIGS. 1C & 4) when hood 110is in the closed position and also arrow 601 when hood 110 is in an openposition (FIG. 3). As hood 110 is opening, the flow of hot air andcombustion gases initially exit in direction of arrow 401, then beingsplit toward arrow 601, as shown in FIG. 3.

FIGS. 9A-9G illustrate a hood pivot sequence (in 15 degree incrementsbetween 0 degrees to 90 degrees) from a closed position (FIG. 9A) to afully open position (FIG. 9G). In FIG. 9A, a gap 185 is defined betweenthe rear end 110 e of hood 110 and the rear cover 121 providing anexhaust port 186 to exhaust hot air and combustion products 401 from thegrill 100 when hood 110 is in the closed position. When hood 110 is inthe closed position, gap 185 may define a minimum gap distance,indicated by double headed arrow 187, along the exhaust port 186. Ashood 110 is pivoted to an open position, a length of exhaust port 186increases and extends along interior side 111 a of the hood 110 andexterior side 124 b of the rear housing 120, progressing initially alongthe rear cover 120 c and then along both the rear cover 120 c and therear wall 120 d (FIGS. 9B-9G). As shown in FIG. 9A, the rear end 110 eof the hood 110 may also position above all or a forward portion of therear cover 120 c such that the exhaust port 186 is also definedtherebetween when hood 110 is in the closed position. However, in someembodiments, the rear end 110 e is offset forward of rear cover 120 cwhen the hood 110 is in the closed position.

It should be appreciated that while it may be desirable to dispose IRburner 180 closer to zero degrees to more fully utilize the upper foodsupport 140 b for searing tops of food, it becomes very difficult tosupport combustion as the tilt angle becomes progressively smaller thanapproximately 30 degrees when there is not a considerable open areaaround the top and all sides of an IR burner. A large open area allowsfor the escape of combustion gases that are replaced by the airnecessary to support continued combustion of the gas fed to the IRburner. Hence, operation of the downward facing IR burner 180 within anenclosed grill presents severe design constraints, even when the hood110 is fully open. Combustion gases must generally flow out of the grill100, e.g., through gap 185 or exhaust port 186, defined along the rearhousing 120 and hood 110, or via the front of the hood 110 as the hood110 progressively opens. At the hood position in FIG. 9C, the rearwardexhaust route (indicated by arrows 401 b) through exhaust port 186 isbecoming constricted at minimum gap 187 before the forward exhaust route(indicated by arrows 401 a) is open. The hood position illustrated inFIG. 9C depicts the most constricted position with respect to exhaust ofcombustion gases 401. In FIG. 9D, the forward route 401 a provides aparallel flow along interior side 111 a of the hood 110, while therearward route 401 b is constricted. In FIG. 9E, the forward route 401 ais open, but the rearward exhaust route 401 b is greatly constricted,thus, essentially all combustion gases 401 flow through the forwardexhaust route 401 a.

As introduced above, exhaust port 186 defines a minimum gap distance 187representing a minimum cross-section that is defined along its length.It is important to combustion at downward facing IR burner 180 that flowpaths of combustion gases 401 from grill 100, including regions adjacentto the IR burner 180, be available to allow combustion supporting airflows to access the sides of the IR burner 180. For example, IR burner180 is preferably open on three sides. In the illustrated embodiment,the rearward exhaust route 401 b is important to support of combustionat IR burner 180 until the hood 110 nearly fully open (e.g., FIGS. 9E &9G). Accordingly, prior to that point, maintenance of a sufficientminimum gap distance 187 through exhaust port 186, in consideration ofwhether the exhaust port 186 along the rearward exhaust route 401 b isthe only or primary (FIGS. 9A & B) exhaust route or one of multipleavailable exhaust routes in a split exhaust flow (FIGS. 9C-9D), isimportant to optimal combustion. In some embodiments, the minimum gapdistance 187 may remain relatively constant, e.g., when hood 110 has acircumferential profile that is greater than a circumferential profileof rear housing 120 along the rear cover 120 c and rear wall 120 d. Inone embodiment, the largest minimum gap distance 187 may be providedwhen the hood 110 is in the closed position when exhaust of combustiongases vent along the rearward exhaust route 401 b (FIG. 9A). Forexample, in the closed position, a minimum gap distance 187 may begreater than approximately 2.5 inches, 2.0 inches, or 1.5 inches, suchas between approximately 5.0 inches and approximately 1.5 inches,approximately 3.0 inches and 1.5 inches, or approximately 2.5 inches andapproximately 2.0 inches, such as approximately 2.2 inches. The smallestminimum gap distance 187 may be provided when the hood 110 is in thefully open position (FIG. 9G), approximately fully open (e.g., FIG. 9E),or at another open position (e.g., FIGS. 9C-9D). In some embodiments,the minimum gap distance 187 may also generally progressively decreaseas hood 110 pivots to the fully open position. For example, the minimumgap distance 187 may decrease to less than approximately 2.0 inches, 1.5inches, or 1.0 inches, such as between approximately 2.0 inches andapproximately 0.5 inches, approximately 1.5 inches and approximately 0.5inches, or approximately 1.0 inch and approximately 0.5 inches, such asapproximately 0.6 inches when hood 110 pivots between the closed andfully open positions. In some embodiments, the minimum gap distance 187may be within at least 40%, 50%, 60% or greater of one of the largestminimum gap distance 187 or the largest minimum gap distance 187 whenhood 110 is in the closed position during the initial 30 degrees ofpivot from the closed position. The minimum gap distance 187 may also bewithin at least 30%, 40%, 50%, 60% or greater than one of the largestminimum gap distance 187 or the largest minimum gap distance 187 whenhood 110 is in the closed position during the initial 45 degrees ofpivot from the closed position.

In the illustrated embodiment, the minimum gap distance 187progressively decreases in general as hood 110 is pivoted from theclosed position to the fully open position. For example, the minimum gapdistance 187 may be approximately 2.2 inches in FIG. 9A, approximately1.5 inches in FIG. 9B, approximately 1.3 inches in FIG. 9C,approximately 0.8 inches in FIG. 9D, approximately 0.6 inches in FIG.9E, approximately 0.7 inches in FIG. 9F, and approximately 0.6 inches inFIG. 9G. Thus, the minimum gap distance 187 through the initial 30degrees of pivot from the closed position is at least 50% of at leastone of the largest minimum gap distance 187 or the minimum gap distance187 when hood 110 is in the fully closed position. The minimum gapdistance 187 through the initial 45 degrees of pivot is at least 40% ofat least one of the largest minimum gap distance 187 or the minimum gapdistance 187 when hood 110 is in the fully closed position. In someembodiments, the minimum gap distance 187 through the initial 30 degreesof pivot is greater than approximately 1 inch, 1.2 inches, or 1.4inches. In one embodiment, the minimum gap distance through the initial45 degrees of pivot is greater than approximately 0.6 inches, 0.8inches, or 1.1 inches.

When a rear stop 105 is employed, as described in more detail below, orthe rear end 110 e of hood 110 otherwise abuts a structure in the fullyopen position, the structure may partially or completely cap the exhaustport 186 (e.g., FIG. 9G). However, as used herein, minimum gap distance187 does not include such capping of the opening of the exhaust port 186in the fully open position. It will further be appreciated that grill100 may be structured to include modified minimum gap distances 187 suchas increased or decreased, for example, in larger or smaller scaledgrills 100 or in consideration of the volume of exhaust required to beexhausted from grill 100.

Air flow for combustion may flow through the grill 100 through one ormore vent shafts 106. The air may flow into vent shafts 106 through oneor more vents 107 that line the shaft 106. For example, vents 107positioned along the sides 101 a, 101 b of grill body 101 and rear wall101 c may flow into a vent shaft 106 that extends between IR burner 180and firebox 130. As depicted by arrows 801 in FIG. 1C (see also FIG. 4),air to provide complete combustion in firebox 130 may flow into a ventshaft 106 along sides 101 a, 101 b, 101 c of grill body 101 and thereinflow along shaft 106 underlying burner assembly 190 and enter firebox130 through vents 103 a (FIG. 1C) in a shield plate 103. Air may alsoflow into the portion of the vent shaft 106 defined between a doublewall portion of rear wall 120 d through vents 107 through the exteriorside 124 a. This portion of vent shaft 106 includes an opening 106 a toupper portion 121 of the rear housing 120, adjacent to IR burner 180,and above upper food support grate 140 b. Thus, vent shaft 106 alongrear wall 120 d may provide combustion air flow to IR burner 180 alongarrows 801 and hot air and combustion products may exhaust along arrows401.

Grill 100 may include one or more lights 172 (e.g., FIG. 1D). In theillustrated embodiment, lights 172 are provided by one or more lightmodules 170 disposed along hood 110, positioned to overhang and directlight onto the food supporting surface 140 a when hood 100 is in an openposition. Light module 170 is positioned to overhang the food supportingregion 108 or rearwardly project light from a forward location atforward end 110 c along the interior side 111 a of hood 110 onto thefood supporting region 108 when hood 110 is in an open position. Suchpositioning may provide improved illumination of the cooking surface andfood cooking thereon from the perspective of a user, e.g., through anopening between the forward end 110 c of hood 110 and the forward edge131 c of the firebox 130 when hood 110 is in an open position. The lightmodules 170 may also be positioned forward of IR burner 180, upper foodsupport grate 140 b, or both when the hood is in the fully openposition. Such positioning may avoid or limit shadows along the foodsupporting region 108 caused by the IR burner or upper food supportgrate 140 b. For example, FIG. 2 illustrates a side view of grill 100with hood 110 in an open position, wherein lights 172 are shownilluminating the food support surface 140 a with minimal shadowing alonga rear sub-portion of the rear portion of the food supporting region 108b. Here, lights 172 illuminate from above and rearward toward rear wall120 d to illuminate the top and outward facing sides of the food whichmay be the particular food surfaces visible to a user when peeringthrough the opening between hood 110 and the outer edge of the cookingsurfaces.

Although only one light module 170 is visible, the illustratedembodiment includes two spaced apart light modules 170 disposed atforward locations along the interior side of hood 110. In otherembodiments, hood 110 includes a single rearward facing light module 170that is centrally located along the forward portion of hood 110. In someembodiments, light modules 170 may be positioned at multiple forward torear locations along an interior side 111 a of hood 110. Lights 172 mayinclude one or more light bulbs or LEDs, for example. As shown, eachlight module 170 is configured to house a 20 W halogen bulb.

Lights 172 are further positioned to provide optimum illuminationthrough a wide range of angular open positions. As hood 110 translatesto open positions, for example, the angular rotation of hood 110 workstogether with the forward location of the now overhanging light module170 along the interior side 111 a of hood 110 to provide optimumprojection and lighting through the opening sequence (e.g., FIGS.9A-9G). When hood 110 is in the fully closed position, light module 170are positioned forward of and slightly above lower food support grate140 a and forward rim of firebox 130 and lights 170 (which are typicallyoff when hood 110 is in the closed position) are positioned to projectlight rearwardly. Light modules 170 may be mounted at an angle above thehorizontal, e.g., a central portion of a beam spread emitted from lights172 may be directed at an angle above horizontal. For example, in someembodiments, the angle may be between greater than 0 degree toapproximately 35 degrees, such as between approximately 8 degrees andapproximately 30 degrees, approximately 10 degrees and approximately 20degrees, or approximately 12 degrees. In other embodiments, lightmodules 170 may be positioned to direct lights 170 parallel to thehorizontal when hood is in the fully closed position.

The light emitted from light modules 170 may be projected in a beam,which may be focused in some embodiments, and include a beam spreadhaving a width encompassing the width of food support grate 140 a whenhood 110 is positioned in an open position approximately 30 degrees togreater than approximately 65 degrees, such as approximately 90 degrees,from the fully closed position. The beam spread may further include aheight extending between the forward edge 131 c of firebox 130 and upperfood support grate 140 a when hood 110 is positioned in an open positionapproximately 30 degrees to greater than approximately 65 degrees, suchas approximately 90 degrees, from the fully closed position. The widthand height of the beam spread may encompass the width of food supportgrate 140 a and the height between the forward edge 131 c of firebox 130and the upper food support grate 140 b when hood 110 is positioned in anopen position approximately 30 degrees to greater than approximately 65degrees, such as approximately 90 degrees, from the fully closedposition.

When grill 100 includes hood mounted light modules 170 or other hoodmounted electronics, power or signal communication may be provided bywiring 171 that transverses pivot 104, 104′. For example, with referenceto FIG. 7, grill 100 may include a rotary electrical contact 174 throughthe pivot 104. Wiring 171 extends to pivot 104 and is fed to contactboard 175. Contact board 175 is attached at the pivot 104 in a fixedposition relative to the rotation of arm 150, e.g., fixed to the grillbody 101. Contact board 175 includes a conductive contact strip 176through which signal may be transmitted or power may be conducted.Wiring 171 along the arm 150 is connected to electrical contact 177 forengaging conductive contract strip 176 for electrically coupling wiring171 along hood 110 to wiring 171 along grill body 101. Contact 177includes a biased contact or spring plunger contact biased toward thegrill side of the arm 150 or the conductive contact strip 176. A smallcircuit board 178 also electrically couples the wiring 171 along the arm150 and the contact 177. Contact 177 co-rotates with the arm 150 andrelative to the contact board 175. Arm 150 includes a cavity 152 inwhich wiring 171 and circuit board 178 are positioned. As illustrated,arm cover 151 (see, e.g., FIG. 3) is removed to expose arm cavity 152.Contact 177 extends from arm cavity 152 through arm 150 to engage theconductive contact strip 177 located on the grill side of the arm 150.In another embodiment, both the contact board 175 and contact 177 arepositioned on the exterior side of arm 150, e.g., within arm cavity 152thereof. It will be appreciated that the locations, relative movements,or both of the electrical contact 177 and the contact board 175 may alsobe swapped or modified.

In operation, contact 177 electrically engages conductive contact strip176 through at least a portion of the pivot of hood 110 to electricallycouple the wiring 171 from the body 101 to hood 110 through the pivot104. While rotary contact 174 is illustrated with respect to pivot 104and arm 150 along right side 100 b of grill 100, in various embodiments,grill 100 includes a rotary contact 174 through the pivot 104′ along theside 100 a instead of, or in addition to, side 100 b. Such a rotarycontact 174 through pivot 104′ may similarly extend along arm 150′,cavity 152′ thereof (FIG. 5), or another side cavity along side 110 a ofhood 110. In some embodiments, other methods of electrically orcommunicatively coupling the hood 110 and body 101 through pivot 104,104′ may be used. For example, wiring 171 may be bent through pivot 104,104′.

In various embodiments, grill 100 is configured to power light modules170 when hood 110 is opened to a predefined open position or range ofopen positions. For example, when hood 110 pivots open from the closedposition at least 10 degrees, 20 degrees, 30 degrees, or 40 degreespower may be supplied to the light module 170. Grill 100 may beconfigured to power light module 170 from the lower angular hoodposition, such as approximately 30 degrees, to a completely openposition or an open position less than completely open. In theillustrated embodiment, rotary contact 174 also operates as part of aswitch to connect a supply of power to the light modules 170 onlythrough a predefined range of the angular range of motion of hood 110.For example, conductive contact strip 176 is dimensioned to provide anelectrical contact area to contact 177 over a limited arc correspondingto a predefined range of motion of hood 110. The contact area maytherefore be sized and shaped to limit the provision of power providingcurrent to light modules 170 for powering lights 172 over the rangeangular motion of hood 110. In other embodiments, a switch may beprovided along pivot 104, 104′, a forward or rear interface of hood 110or grill body 101, or other location to switch lights 170 on and offdetermined by the angular position of hood 110. Switches can bemechanical or include sensors, e.g., magnetic, inductive, optical, etc.,to determine the position of hood 110. In such embodiments, electricalconnection through pivot 104, 104′ may be continuously or limited toonly when hood 110 is positioned within a predefined range or ranges ofangular positions. In one example, electrical connection through therotary contact 174 and light module 170 is maintained and a sensor thatis wired to or in signal communication with a switch provides sensedposition data with respect to hood 110 that the switch uses to controlpower delivery to the light modules 170 based on the angular position ofhood 110. The grill body 101 may also include wiring 171 that couplesthe wiring 171 extending along hood 110 to a switch, controller,electrical power source, or a combination thereof. For example, switchesmay be operable to electrically couple devices to electrical power orterminate connection or delivery of electrical power to devices. Invarious embodiments, switches may be selectively actuated by a user,mechanically or electrically coordinated with an orientation of hood110, or both. A controller may be in circuit with hood wiring 171 tomodulate power delivery to one or more devices, receive sensor data, orboth. The controller may include memory storing instructions executableby a processor to perform the instructions. The controller may include acontrol panel having a display, switch, or both through which a user mayview conditions sensed, e.g., temperature, video, etc., or controloperations of one or more devices. In one embodiment, the control panelmay include a remote control panel provided on a tablet, smart phone, ordedicated device, for example.

In one embodiment, hood 110 may be stably positioned within a subsetrange of its pivotal range of motion, which may be referred to as acounterbalanced portion of the pivotal range, such as betweenapproximately 6 degrees and approximately 65 degrees with 65 degrees asthe free fly angle. A forward closing force may be applied to the handle115 to pivot hood 110 to a fully closed position from the 6 degree orlarger open position. Rotary contact 174 may be configured toelectrically couple the electrical contact 177 and contact board 175along the contact strip 176 when hood 110 is pivoted approximately 30degrees from the closed position and maintain the electric couplingthrough the fully open position. In one such embodiment, a switch may beprovided to allow the user to switch off the light when hood 110 iswithin the predefined range, e.g., to conserve power and bulb life whenlight is not needed.

Positioning lights 172 at helpful viewing angles may subject wiring andlighting electronics to high temperatures present within and adjacent tothe food supporting region 108. Accordingly, hood 110 may be structuredto include wiring paths and structures configured to reduce exposure toheat stress and other environmental hazards. For example, as introducedabove, wiring 171 may be routed along frame members 161 a, 161 b,through pivot 104, 104′, and within arm cavity 152.

In various embodiments, hood 110 includes a double wall constructionalong at least a portion thereof for extending wiring 171 or positioningelectronics or sensors. For example, with reference to FIG. 4, hood 110includes a double wall 110 d′, 110 d″ extending between one or both ofarms 150, 150′ and forward end 110 c and formed along and underlying atleast a portion of the front face 110 d of hood 110. The double wall 110d′, 110 d″ forms a protective face cavity 112 through which wiring 171may extend from the grill body 101 to portions of hood 110. Face cavity112 may extend from arm 150 to a forward or rear location along hood110. Face cavity 112 may extend along partial or the entire length orwidth of hood 110 along the front face 110 d. Face cavity 112 mayinclude one or more double wall 110 d′, 110 d″ sections that extendentirely or partially between sides 110 a, 110 b and ends 110 c, 110 d.In the illustrated embodiment, face cavity 112 connects or otherwisecouples with or is in communication with arm cavity 152. For example, aport may be provided between the cavities 112, 152 through which wiring171 may be passed. Arm cavity 152 may also open into face cavity 111. Insome embodiments, face cavity 112 houses light modules 170, sensors, orother electronics instead of, or in addition to, wiring 171. Face cavity112 may also extend to arm 150′ instead of, or in addition to, arm 150and thereat connect or otherwise couple with an arm cavity 152′ (seeFIG. 5) formed within arm 150′.

As described above, one or more side cavities may be formed along sides110 a, 110 b of the hood 110, e.g., arm cavity 152, 152′. In these orother embodiments, sides 110 a, 110 b may include other double wallsections. Such cavities may similarly connect with arm cavity 152, facecavity, or another cavity. In this or another example, the left or rightsides 110 a, 110 b of hood 110 may extend from the front end 110 c tothe rotary connection 174 at pivot 104 such that wiring 171 may bedirectly received into a side cavity extending along the left and rightsides 110 a, 110 b of hood 110.

In the illustrated embodiment, face cavity 112 extends between armcavity 152 and a front cavity 113. In particular, hood 110 defines frontcavity 113 along the forward end 110 c of hood 110. Front cavity 113 isdimensioned for housing light modules 170, sensors, wiring 171, or otherelectronics or sensors. For example, with continued reference to FIG. 4,one or more light modules 170 are disposed in front cavity 113. Frontcavity 113 provides thermal protection to light module 170 from damagingheat exposure. Front cavity 113 is also positioned at a forwardlocation, outside of the firebox 130 and beyond the food support grate140 a when hood 110 is in the fully closed position. Thus, light module170 is protected from heat by its position within front cavity 113 aswell as by the location of front cavity 113, which is offset from thevertical column of heat that rises from firebox 130 during operation.Similarly, as hood 110 is pivoted to open positions, light module 170remains slightly offset or along fringes of the vertical column ofrising heat until the front face 110 d of hood 110 pivots abovehorizontal (see, e.g., FIGS. 9A-9D).

The grill body 101 may also be structured to protect wiring 171 fromdamage. In some embodiments, the grill body 101 includes a double wallportion along one or both sides 120 a, 120 b of rear housing 120 orfirebox 130. For example, as most clearly shown in FIGS. 1E & 4, thegrill body 101 may include one or more sidewalls 101 a, 101 b mounted toor positioned exteriorly to respective sides 120 a, 120 b or sidewallsthereof of the rear housing 120 and firebox 130 and defining a bodycavity 102 a, 102 b therebetween. Wiring 171 may be extended through thebody cavity 102 a, 102 b toward pivot 104, 104′ for further routingalong arm 150, 150′. In these or another embodiment, with reference toFIG. 6, wiring 171 may extend along a path that includes an interiorcavity 162 a, 162 b defined through one or more of the frame members 161a, 161 b.

As introduced above, grill 100 may be configured with a counterbalancemechanism 160 operative to counterbalance one or both arms 150, 150′with respect to the COG of hood 110, thereby allowing hood 110 to restin various open positions over a wide angular pivot range. That is thecounterbalance mechanism 160 may be configured to stably counterbalancethe hood 110 at partially open positions along a counterbalanced portionof the angular pivot range of the hood 110. Having hood 110 remain openand stable over a wide range of angular positions may provide versatileand convenient use of grill 100 to the user. In various embodiments,counterbalance 160 may employ springs, biases, pistons, differentialweighting, or other counterbalance systems to one or more of stabilizehood 110, maintain hood 110 in various open positions, or reduce theforce necessary to translate hood 110 between a closed position and oneor more open positions. In one example, hood 110 may pivot relative tothe grill body 101 along arm 150, 150′, wherein one or both arms 150,150′ may be counterbalanced with respect to the COG of hood 110 toreduce the apparent weight to the user when raising hood 110. This maybe especially beneficial when grill 100 is equipped with a hood 110having a double wall construction that may increase the overall weightof the hood 110.

Grill 100 may deploy various counterbalance mechanisms 160, such asthose which generally operate under principles exemplified in FIG. 8.For instance, a hinge arm 1150, which may be similar to hinge arm 150,150′, of a hood may rotate about a pivot axle 1104, which may be similarto pivot 104, between a closed position (solid outline) and a fully openposition (dashed outline). Single headed arrows depict the load on hingearm 1150 by the COG of hood in the closed position (solid outline) andfully open position (dashed outline). A cam or rocker arm 1165 may beattached to the hinge arm 1150 at a secondary load axle 1105 by abearing 1155, which may optionally be a frictional bearing. The hingearm 1150 may include multiple hinge arms. For example, the hinge arm1150 can be formed of two parallel arms joined by cams or rocker arms1150 at both opposing sides of the hood.

Rocker arm 1165 is biased by a spring 1169 movably connected with therocker arm 1165 at a location spaced apart from secondary load axle1105. Spring 1169 can be attached to a distal axle 1199 at a distal endfrom the connection to rocker arm 1165. Double headed arrows depictopposing balance load on hinge arm 1150 applied via rocker arm 1165attached to hinge arm 1150 at a secondary load axle 1105 by bearing 1155in the closed position (solid outline) and fully open position (dashedoutline). In operation, the load on hinge arm 1150 may be initially leftof pivot axle 1104. As the hood swings open, to the right, hinge arm1150 shifts the COG to the right of pivot axle 1104. Rocker arm 1165 mayrotate with hinge arm 1150 to provide a counter balancing load opposingthe shift of the COG load of the hood.

Spring 1169, one or more bearings 1105, and rocker arm 1150 (which mayinclude multiple mechanical linkages) may have numerous alternativeconfigurations to provide a counterbalance to the COG of the hood as itswings from the left to the right, with the counterbalance force bothfacilitating movement by requiring less force to rotate hood andrestraining the hood as it is rotated to a different orientation betweenthe extreme right and left positions. The counterbalance 1160 may beconfigured to deploy a tension spring, compression spring, or torsionspring as spring 1169. Various suitable counterbalance mechanisms andthe specific principles of operation are generally disclosed in thefollowing US patents and published applications, all of which are herebyincorporated herein by reference: US 2010/0019112 A1 (Chi, 28 Jan.2010); U.S. Pat. No. 3,999,245 (Bue et al., 28 Dec. 1976); U.S. Pat. No.8,500,722B2 (Cooper, 23 Aug. 2006); U.S. Pat. No. 8,066,251 B2 (Brown,29 Nov. 2011); US2005/0034547A1 (Sweere et al. 17 Feb. 2005);US2004/0245419 A1 (Sweere et al., 9 Dec. 2004); U.S. Pat. No. 6,375,175B1 (Baumann et al., 23 Apr. 2002); U.S. Pat. No. 5,402,690 A (Sekiguchiet al., 4 Apr. 1995); U.S. Pat. No. 5,213,293 A (Muentener, 25 May1993); U.S. Pat. No. 3,950,819 A (Little, 20 Apr. 1976), and U.S. Pat.No. 3,771,194 A (Little, 13 Nov. 1973).

FIGS. 4 & 6 illustrates various features of a counterbalance mechanism160 according to various embodiments. The counterbalance mechanism 160is configured to stably counterbalance the hood 110 at partially openpositions along a counterbalanced portion of the angular pivot range ofthe hood 110. Counterbalance 160 includes hinge arm 150 having aproximal end 150 a in rotary engagement with pivot 104. Pivot 104 andend 150 a are shown mounted on frame member 161 b; however, in otherembodiments, the pivot 104 may be positioned at another stable fixedlocation along the grill body 101. It will be appreciated thatcounterbalance 160 may include similar features on the opposite side ofhood 110 and grill body 101 to further enhance the operation andstability of hood 110. For example, arm 150′ mounted along side 101 a atpivot 104′, such as along side 120 a, frame member 161 a, or otherstable structure along rear housing 120 or a cavity thereof.

A cam arm 165 is rotationally connected to arm 150 at pivot 104 at afirst end 165 a and extends within cavity 162 a to a second end 165 bdisposed within arcuate slot 163. Pivoting of arm 150 co-rotates thefirst end 165 a of cam arm 165 at pivot 104 and correspondinglytranslates the second end 165 b along arcuate path 125 (FIG. 7)generally defined along arcuate slot 163. The second end 165 b of camarm 165 rotatably couples to a first end 167 a of a lever 167 at pivothead 166 and hence is pivotable relative to lever 167 at pivot head 166.Cam arm 165 and pivot head 166 translate within cavity 162 a. Lever 167is subject to biasing force biased toward pivoting of the hood 110 fromthe closed position to one or more open positions, which is downwardtranslation of pivot head 166 along the arcuate path 125 in thisembodiment. For example, lever 167 may be biased to translation of thepivot head 166 in a direction corresponding to opening of the hood 110and apply a corresponding counterbalancing force thereto tocounterbalance the arm 150 with respect to the center of gravity (COG)of the hood 110 along the counterbalanced portion of the angular range.

As noted above, the biasing force in the illustrated embodiment isprovided by one or more springs 169. It will be appreciated that springsmay be used in any orientation and may store energy in changedconformations, e.g., shape, arrangement, length, etc. resulting fromapplication of load from a resting state. For example, springs may be acoil, cantilever, balance, leaf, or other springs arrangement. Springsmay operate as compression springs, such as spring 169, tension springs,such as spring 169′, torsion springs, or other suitable arrangement.Spring 169 includes a first end 169 fixedly mounted to the grill body101 along side 110 b. In particular, spring 169 is internally mounted inbody cavity 102 adjacent to side 101 b to frame member 161 b at mount168. Lever 167 may be movable relative to the first end 169 a of thefirst spring to change the conformation—which, depending on theorientation and configuration/spring arrangement of the spring used, mayinclude compression, decompression, extension, or retraction, forexample—of the spring 169. When the hood 110 is in the closed position,the COG of the hood 110 may be forward of the pivot 104 and the spring169 may be one of compressed or extended relative to its restingposition. As shown, translation of the pivot head 166 along the arcuatepath 125, coinciding with pivoting of hood 110 from the closed position,may change the conformation of the spring 169, allowing decompressiontoward its resting position, thereby biasing lever 167 to translation ofthe pivot head 166 along the arcuate path 125 toward open positions.

Lever 167 extends through a sleeve portion 168 a of mount 168 and istranslatable therethrough relative to mount 168 and the first end 169 aof spring 169. A second end 169 b of spring 169 is fixedly mounted to asecond end 167 b of lever 167 such that movement of lever 167 along thearcuate path 125 changes the distance and hence conformation between thefirst and second ends 169 a, 169 b of the spring 169. For example, adistance between the first end 169 a and the second end 169 b increases,decompressing spring 169 toward its resting position, when the hood 110is pivoted toward open positions (FIG. 3) and decreases when the hood110 is pivoted toward the closed position (FIG. 4), compressing spring169 from its resting position. The position of the first end 169 a ofspring 169 is fixed such that a distance between pivot head 166 and thefirst end 169 a of spring 169 also decreases when hood 110 is pivotedtoward open positions (FIG. 3) and increases when hood 110 is pivotedtoward the closed position (FIG. 3). In the illustrated embodiment,lever 167 further extends through the coil shape of spring 169 and isfurther extendable therethrough to increase or decrease a distancebetween the ends 169 a, 169 b. In another embodiment, lever 167 does notextend through spring 169 but rather extends adjacent to the spring 169.

In operation, the cam arm 165, being fixed to motion along the arcuatepath 125 defined by arcuate slot 163, transfers the rotational force ofhood 110 to spring 169 via the lever 167. Lever 167 has a second end 167b opposed by resistance to compression of spring 169 such that spring169 decompresses toward its resting position as hood 110 is raised byhandle 115 and the compressive force of spring 169 counterbalances thegravitational pull on hood 110 over the counterbalance range of theangular pivot range permitted by pivot head 166 of cam arm 165 inarcuate slot 163.

As noted above, the COG of hood 110 is forward of pivot 104 when thehood is in the closed position. The COG of hood 110 may transition rearof pivot 104 at or near the fully open position or may remain forward orforward to approximately over the pivot 104 for the entire pivotablerange. For example, the forward end 110 c of the hood 110 may beweighted such that the COG does not move to the rear of pivot 104.

In the illustrated embodiment, counterbalance 160 is also shown with acounterbalance feature along side 101 a of grill body 101 that may beconfigured to one or more of control fly back, reduce forward forcerequired to bring hood 110 from the fully open position toward theclosed position, or both. In some embodiments, for example, spring 169may obtain its resting position when the COG of hood 110 positionsapproximately over pivot 104, e.g., spring 169 will not applysignificant force to continued translation of pivot head 166 along theportion of the arcuate path 125 corresponding to the COG of hood 110being to the rear of pivot 104. In one example, spring 169 may be fullydecompressed when the COG of hood 110 is approximately over the pivot169 and continued translation of pivot head 166 may change theconformation of spring 169 comprising extension of spring 169 creatingbiasing tension along lever 167 against further extension which may beused to balance or partially offset the COG hood 110. Such tension mayalso be used to bias lever 167 toward retraction toward the restingstate to provide closing assist in bringing the COG of hood 110 forwardof pivot 104 at which time spring 169 is in a relaxed state and furthercompression is opposed by the spring to balance hood 110. However, inother or in further embodiments, the counterbalance mechanism 160 mayinclude further balancing and assist features to address angular rangeswhen the COG of hood 110 is to the rear of pivot 104, 104′. For example,arm 150 may couple to another cam and lever providing bias tocounterbalance or assist in pivoting the hood 110 at one or moreportions of the angular pivot range (e.g., from the closed position tothe counterbalance range, from the counterbalance range to the fullyopen position, from the fully open position to a partly open positionwherein the COG of the hood 110 is approximately over the pivot 104 suchthat significant force is not otherwise applied that would counter theability of the user to pivot hood 110 from the partially open positionwherein the COG of the hood 110 is approximately over the pivot 104(which may include just forward of pivot 104) to the fully open positionor from just forward of the pivot 104 to above the pivot 104). In somesuch arrangements, cam arm 165 may similarly couple to another lever orlever 167 may couple with another spring.

With reference to FIG. 5, showing an isolated view of an optionalportion of the counterbalance mechanism 160 along side 101 a and arm150′, the counterbalance mechanism 160 may include a fly back andclosing assist feature along one or more sides 101 a, 101 b. Forexample, arm 150′ has a proximal end 150 a′ in rotary engagement withpivot 104′. Pivot 104′ and end 150 a′ of arm 150′ are shown mounted onframe member 161 a. In other embodiments, however, pivot 104′ may bepositioned at another stable fixed location along the grill body 101. Acam arm 165′ is rotationally connected to arm 150′ at pivot 104′ at afirst end (not visible) and extends within cavity 162 a to a second end165 b′ translatable along an arcuate path 125′ generally defined byarcuate edge 163′. Pivoting of arm 150′ co-rotates the first end of camarm 165′ at pivot 104′ and correspondingly translates the second end 165b along the arcuate path 125′ defined by the arcuate edge 163′. Thesecond end 165 b′ of cam arm 165′ rotatably couples to a first end 167a′ of a lever 167′ at pivot head 166′ and hence is pivotable relative tolever 167′ at the pivot head 166′.

Lever 167′ is extendable to encounter a biasing force biased towardpivoting of hood 110 toward a closed position from an open position,which may include a fully open position, and which is upward alongarcuate path 125′ in this embodiment. The counterbalanced portion of theangular pivot range may extend from a partially open position whereinthe COG of the hood is forward of the pivot 104, 104′ to a partiallyopen position wherein the COG of the hood 110 is approximately over thepivot 104, 104′ or forward of the pivot 104, 104′. The COG of the hood110 may be forward of the pivot 104, 104′ in the closed position andrear of the pivot 104, 104′ when the hood 110 is in the fully openposition. The lever 167′ may be biased toward translation of the pivothead 166′ in a direction corresponding to pivoting from the fully openposition or a partially open position wherein the COG of the hood 110rear of pivot 104, 104′ to another partially open position wherein theCOG of hood 110 is approximately over the pivot 104, 104′ (e.g., thereis not significant force applied by lever 167′ countering ability of theuser to pivot hood from forward positions to positions wherein the COGis approximately over pivot 104, 104′ or rear of pivot 104, 104′). Thebias may counterbalance the hood 110 along all or a portion of thecorresponding angular pivot range, provide closing assist from the fullyopen position, or combination thereof. In one embodiment, the bias mayprovide closing assist between the fully open position and a partiallyopen position wherein the COG is approximately over the pivot 104, 104′.A force of approximately 5 lbf or less, for example, may be sufficientto pivot the hood 110 from fully open position and transition the COGfrom the rear to forward of pivot 104, 104′ to the counterbalancedportion of the angular pivot range.

In the illustrated embodiment, the biasing force is supplied by one ormore springs 169′. As shown, spring 169′ operates as a tension springand includes a first end 169 a′ fixedly mounted to the grill body 101along side 110 a and a second end 169 b′ movable with respect to thefirst end 169 a′ and relative to grill body 101. The second end 167 b′of the lever 167 is movable relative to the first end 169 a′ and thesecond end 169 b′ of the spring 169′. When the hood 110 pivots to thefully open position, the COG of the hood 100 may transfer over the pivot104, 104′, from forward to rear of the pivot 104, 104′, and the secondend of the lever 167 b′ may engage the bracket 164 to change theconformation of spring 169, which may include compression,decompression, extension, or retraction relative to the relaxed positionof spring 169′. As shown, the second end 167 b′ engages bracket 164 andextends spring 169′ from its relaxed state as the hood 110 approachesthe fully open position. As shown, spring 169′ is internally mounted ininternal cavity 102 a adjacent to side 101 a to frame member 161 a atmount 168′. Lever 167′ extends through a sleeve portion 168 a′ of mount168′ and is translatable therethrough relative to mount 168′ and thefirst end 169 a′ of spring 169′. A second end 169 b′ of spring 169′ isattached to a bracket 164 positioned to receive a second end 167 b′ oflever 167′ when the lever 167′ translates a predetermined distancethrough the sleeve portion 168 a′ of mount 168′ such that furthermovement of the lever 167′ along the arcuate path 125′ changes thedistance and hence conformation between the first and second ends 169a′, 169 b′ of the spring 169′. For example, after the hood 110 has beenpivoted to a predetermined open position corresponding to thepredetermined translation distance of the second end 167 b′ of lever167′ with respect to mount 168′ that results in engagement with bracket164, pivoting the hood 110 to further open positions increases thedistance between the first end 169 a′ and the second end 169 b′ of thespring 169′, biasing lever 167′ upward toward the pivot head 166′ andcounter to rearward pivoting of the hood 110. When the hood 110 ispivoted toward the closed position from a partially open positionwherein the second end 167 b′ of lever 167′ is engaged with bracket 164and biased by spring 169′ the distance between the first end 169 a′ andsecond end 169 b′ decreases and the retraction assists in pivoting orbalancing of the hood 110 toward the closed position.

In operation, the cam arm 165′, being fixed to motion defined by arcuateedge 163′, transfers the rotational force of hood 110 to spring 169′ viathe lever 167′ when the hood 110 is in the predetermined open position,e.g., when the COG of hood 110 is above or to the rear of pivot 104′. Atwhich time, the second end 167 b′ of lever 169′ is opposed by resistanceto extension of spring 169′ such that spring 169′ extends as hood 110 isfurther raised rearward by handle 115 and the tension force of spring169′ counters or counterbalances the gravitational pull on hood 110 overthe remaining range of motion permitted by pivot head 166′ of cam arm165′ to the fully open position. In one embodiment, the spring constantof spring 169′ is configured to counterbalance the hood 110 and stablyposition the hood 110 at open positions wherein the COG of hood 110 isrear of pivot 104′. The spring constant of spring 169′ may also beconfigured to ease the hood 110 to the fully open position when the hood110 is pivoted to the free fly angle. When a forward closing force isapplied to handle 115 to pivot hood 110 from the fully open position orother open position wherein the lever 167′ is countering orcounterbalancing the hood 110, the amount of force required to pivot thehood 110 is reduced. For example, a force less than approximately 5 lbf,between 2 lbf and 7 lbf, or approximately 5 lbf may be sufficient topivot hood 110 from the fully open position.

While the free fly or closing assist feature, which in some embodimentsmay be configured to counterbalance the hood 110 to stably position thehood 110 when the COG of the hood 110 is rear of the pivot 104, 104′, isdescribed with respect arm 150′, in some embodiments, arm 150 andcounterbalance components along side 101 b may be configured withsimilar components as described with respect to side 101 a, e.g., asecond end 165 b of cam arm 165 or another cam arm 165 attached to therotation of arm 150 may be rotatably coupled to lever 167 or a secondlever. Lever 167 or the second lever may be biased as described abovewith respect to lever 167′ to balance and provide free fly assist,closing assist, or stable counterbalancing when the COG of hood 110 isto the rear of pivot 104. In some such embodiments, counterbalancemechanism 160 may include the counterbalance features described abovewith respect to sides 101 a and 101 b at both pivots 104, 104′.

In various embodiments, counterbalance mechanism 160 may be internallymounted. For example, as shown in FIG. 1E, the components ofcounterbalance 160 are positioned within body cavities 102 a, 102 b,including inner frame cavities 162 a, 162 b.

In the above described configurations, hood 110 is fully and readilyadjustable with minimal user force on handle 115 between stablepositions through the pivotable rotation of hood 110. For example, theCOG of hood 110 may be coordinated with the spring constant to require aforward closing force to bring hood 110 toward a closed orientation fromthe fully open position or position therebetween and an upward to rearopening force to bring hood 110 to stable open position from a fullyclosed position or open position therebetween. In one embodiment,movement of hood 110 may be initiated with a force less thanapproximately 5 lbf, between 2 lbf and 7 lbf, or approximately 5 lbf. Inthis or another embodiment, the range of motion of hood 110 may bebetween 60 and 110 degrees. All or a portion of the range of motion maybe coordinated with counterbalance 160 to provide stable positioning ofhood 110. For example, the range of motion of hood 110 may beapproximately 90 degrees and hood 110 may be stably positioned at anyorientation therebetween or within a subset range, such as betweenapproximately 0 degrees (closed) and approximately 60 degrees,approximately 5 degrees and approximately 65 degrees, with 60 or 65degrees as the free fly angle. A forward closing force may be applied tohandle 115 to bring hood 110 to a fully closed position from, forexample, a 6 degrees or greater open position.

As introduced above, grill 100 may include one or more stops configuredto prevent rotation of hood 110 beyond one or both of a predeterminedclosed position and a fully open position. With reference to FIGS. 9A &9G, grill 100 may include a rear stop 105 including a bumper 105 alocated along rear wall 120 d. Bumper 105 a may be configured to engagea rear edge 110 f of hood 110 when hood 110 is rotated to a fully openposition (FIG. 9G). As shown, rear wall 120 d includes an optionalextension or foot 109 onto which bumper 105 a is disposed. Foot 109protrudes outwardly relative to an exterior side 124 b of a lowerportion of rear wall 120 d. Foot 109 may provide a stable base forbumper 105 a to support hood 110 that is located rearward of an upperportion of the rear wall 120 d to allow exhaust space, for exampleexhaust port 186, to form between the interior side 111 a of hood 110and rear wall 120 d through various open positions. Grill 100 may alsoinclude a forward stop 118 including a bumper 118 a disposed along alower forward surface 110 f of hood 110. Bumper 118 a is positioned toengage a forward surface 100 e of grill body 101, forward of the firebox130. Bumpers 105 a, 118 a may be fabricated from compressible orelastic, e.g., elastomeric, materials to provide cushioning and preventdamage to hood 110 when received at the stop 105, 118. In someembodiments, bumpers 105 a, 118 a may be fabricated from rigid materialssuch as metallics, alloys, hard plastics, ceramics, etc.

In various embodiments, counterbalance 160 may be configured to aid inaiming lights 170 disposed along the underside of hood 110. For example,counterbalance 160 may be configured to support hood 110 at an optimumrotation angles or positions of arm 150 for aiming the lights 172 onfood positioned on the food support grate 140.

FIGS. 10A & 10B illustrate one embodiment of a food support module 141,which may be used alone or with addition modules 141 to comprise a foodsupport grate 140 a, as described above. The food support module 141includes a plurality of spaced apart bars 144, 144 a, 144 b extendingbetween side bars 141 a, 141 b, 141 c, 141 d. The bars 144, 144 a, 144 bmay extend at approximately a 10 degree angle with respect to side bars143 c and 143 d. Bar 141 e extends parallel to side bars 141 a and 141 balong a central portion of the module 141 and intersects bar 144 and aportion of bars 144 a and 144 b. Lateral bar members 144 a and 144 brespectively extend obliquely from side bars 143 a and 143 b torespective side bars 141 b and 141 a and intersect a portion of the bar141 e. Side bars 143 a and 143 b define gaps 146 at opposite corners ofthe module 141 with side bars 141 a and 141 d and side bars 141 b, 141c, respectively. In this arrangement, the modules 141 may be flippedsuch that either cooking face may be used to support foods. The module141 may further include a central indentation 147 along side bars 141 cand 141 d to provide a manipulation area to access the module 141, e.g.,to aid in lifting the module 141 when positioned above a firebox 130adjacent to another module 141.

As introduced above, the grill 100 may include a radiant tray 200, whichprovides even heating and forms a barrier between the food support grate140 a and the gas burner assembly 190, protecting the burners fromexposure to grease and debris that may fall through the food supportgrate 140 a and otherwise clog gas ports. However, over time, the slowdeposition of charred food residue on the top of the radiant tray 200may reduce the radiant efficiency of the tray 200 as well as create offflavors. Accordingly, in various embodiments described herein, theradiant tray 200 is configured for ease of cleaning the tray 200 of foodresidue.

FIGS. 11A-11D provide various isolated views of the radiant tray 200illustrated in FIGS. 1B-1E. The radiant tray 200 may include a generallyrigid housing 210. The housing 210 may be constructed from suitablyrigid materials capable of withstanding temperatures within the firebox130. For example, metals or metallics such as stainless steel, castiron, alloys, or the like may be used. In some embodiments, the housing210 may be coated or enameled with metals, ceramics, or glass.

The housing 210 includes first and second generally planar walls 211 a,211 b defining an interior cavity 212. A plurality of spaced apart firstholes or tile slots 213 for positioning of radiant materials are definedthrough each wall 211 a, 211 b. The tile slots 213 through the firstwall 211 a (FIG. 11A) are positioned to correspond with the tile slots213 through the second wall 211 b (FIG. 11B) such that they alignthrough the planar dimension of the housing 210, as most clearly shownin the exploded view of FIG. 11D. In other examples, tile slots 213 maynot be aligned, e.g., tile slots 213 may be partly or entirely offset.In the illustrated embodiment, each wall 211 a, 211 b includes eleventile slots 213 corresponding to eleven tiles 220 that may be graspedwithin the corresponding tile slots 213. Tile slots 213 arrange tiles220 in three rows along the length of each wall 211 a, 211 b. The outerrows include an additional tile compared to the middle row, which isnested between the outer rows, e.g., generally surrounded by tiles 220of the outer rows. Tile slots 213 also arrange tiles 220 in rows crosswise across the width of each wall 211 a, 211 b. The rows are staggeredtwo-one with the first and last row each containing two tiles 200. Rowshaving a single tile 220 are nested between rows having two tiles 220.Tile slots 213 also orient the tiles 220 at with largest end profiledimensions generally parallel with the sides 215 a, 215 b, 215 c, 215 d.Such largest end profile dimensions are also aligned with respect to therows of tiles 220 across the length and width of the walls 211 a, 211 b.As described in more detail below, the above orientation andarrangements may be particularly suitable for optimal heat interactionwith underlying burner assemblies 190. For example, burners extendinglongitudinally and laterally with respect to the tray 200 may bepositioned to underlay the tray 200 such that the longitudinally andlaterally extending burners generally align with one or more rows oftiles 220 along the length and width of the tray 200. The alignment withrows may be include alignment with the largest end dimensions of thetiles. It will be appreciated that number, size, orientation, andarrangement of tile slots 213 and tiles 220 may be modified, forexample, in consideration of the desired end application such as burnerconfiguration of a burner assembly 190.

Each wall 211 a, 211 b further includes a plurality of spaced apartsecond holes or vent ports 214 to promote venting of rising combustiongases. The vent ports 214 may align or be partially or entirely offset,requiring rising hot combustion gases entering the cavity 212 to takelateral paths to reach vent ports 214 in the opposing wall 211 a, 211 b.In the embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 11A-11D, the vent ports 214include both aligning and non-aligning vent ports 214 with respect tothe opposing wall 211 a, 211 b. For example, the square vent ports 214along sides of each wall 211 a, 211 b and larger rectangular vent ports214 along respective ends 216 a, 216 b, 216 c, 216 d of each wall 211 a,211 b align while the smaller elongated vent ports 214 between and alongthe tile slots 213 do not align with a corresponding vent port 214 alongthe opposing wall 211 a, 211 b.

FIG. 12 illustrates a radiant tray 200 similar to the radiant tray 200described with respect to FIGS. 11A-11D but having a differentarrangement of vent ports 214 that includes fewer elongated non-aligningvent ports 214. Other arrangements may also be used. In variousembodiments, the housing may be configured such that there are noaligning vent ports 214 or aligned vent ports 214 are not positionedover flame ports of the gas burners 120 when the tray 200 is positionedin the firebox 130 (see, e.g., FIG. 1B). The housing 210 may alsoinclude vent ports 214 defined through one or more sides 215 a, 215 b,215 c, 215 d.

As introduced above, the housing 210 defines a cavity 212 for housingradiant materials. In the illustrated embodiment, the radiant materialscomprise tiles 220 generally constructed from refractory ceramicmaterials. However, other suitable radiant materials may also be usedalone or in combination with refractory ceramic materials. In theillustrated embodiments, a plurality of tiles 220 are stably positionedwithin the housing 210; however, in some embodiments, a larger singletile may be used.

With further reference to FIG. 13, showing a cross-section of a housing210 stably retaining a tile 220 within the cavity 212 betweencorresponding tile slots 213, the tiles 220 include a generally planarbody having first and second generally planar ends 221 a, 221 b. Thetiles 220 may be sized such that their length and width dimensionsacross the ends 221 a, 221 b prevent the tiles from being removed fromthe cavity 212 through the tile slots 213. The tiles 220 and tile slots213 may also be dimensioned such that at least of portion 227 a of thefirst end 221 a, at least a portion 227 b of the second end 221 b, orboth are exposed through the tile slots 213 when graspes between thewalls 211 a, 211 b. For example, FIGS. 11A-12 show arrangements whereinthe majority of the surfaces along each of the first and second ends 221a, 221 b of the tiles 220 are exposed through the tile slots 213. Thefirst and second ends 221 a, 221 b may also cooperate with therespective first and second wall 211 a, 211 b to provide a generallyplanar exterior side surfaces. A portion of the first end 221 a and thesecond end 221 b of the tile 220 may also extend beyond the exteriorsides of the respective first and second walls 211 a, 211 b. Forexample, with reference to FIG. 13, and as described in more detailbelow, one or both ends 221 a, 221 b of the tiles 220 may include araised planar surface or raised contours that extend beyond the exteriorside of a wall 211 a, 211 b.

The housing 210 may also be structured to grasp tiles 220 between thewall 211 a, 211 b, thereby maintaining the position of the tiles 220within cavity 212. In one aspect, tiles 220, walls 211 a, 211 b, or bothmay be dimensioned to assist in seating the tiles 220 in the cavity 212.For example, as shown in FIG. 13 and with further reference to FIGS. 14A& 14B, depicting isolated views of a tile 220, the first and second ends211 a, 211 b include seating surfaces 222 positioned to engage one ormore edges of the tile slots 213. The seating surfaces 222 include arecessed ledge 222′ along a first perimeter 223 of each end 221 a, 221b. Different or additional seating features may also be used. Forexample, the illustrated tile 220 also includes chamfered edges 224 thatextend along an outer perimeter of recessed ledges 222′ or along secondperimeter 223′, outside the first 223, between the first perimeter 223and side faces of the tile 225 a, 225 b, 225 c, 225 d. The chamferededge 224 may improve seating, e.g., by improving clearance between theperimeters 223′ of ends 221 a, 221 b that underlie the interior side ofthe walls 211 a, 211 b, thereby limiting impact on seating caused bybuildup or irregularities along interfacing surfaces of the tile 220 andthe interior sides of the walls 211 a, 211 b. In this embodiment, theprimary axis A of the tile 220 is disposed in a plane parallel with theplanes of the first and second walls 221 a, 221 b. In other embodiments,a tile 220, wall 211 a, 211 b, or both may be configured to dispose theprimary axis of a tile 220 in a plane that is not parallel with theplanes of the first and second walls 211 a, 211 b. The tiles 220 shownin this embodiment have a quadrilateral profile or cross-section, e.g.,rectangular or square; however, in some embodiments, tiles 220 definingother shapes may be used, e.g., round, triangular, or other geometric ornon-geometric shapes.

With reference again to FIGS. 1B-1E, in one aspect, radiant tray 200,grill 100, or both may be configured to allow convenient insertion andremovability of radiant tray 200 from the firebox 130. For example, whenlocated in the firebox 130, radiant tray 200 may be dimensioned to restupon ledges 131 a, 131 b formed along respective forward and rearinterior walls of the firebox 130 allowing simplified insertion andremoval of the tray 200. In some embodiments, ledges 131 a, 131 b may beprovided by flanges that protrude inwardly from the firebox 130. Ledges131 a, 131 b may also be disposed along lateral sides of the firebox130. In one embodiment, ledges 131 a, 131 b may also include hooks,latches, or clamps to further secure the tray 200. For example, tray 200may snap fit into firebox 130, e.g., through incorporation of a latch.

For many grill users, cooking tasks rarely require utilization of allthe available cooking space along cooking grates 140. Thus, exposure tofood drippings and buildup may not be uniform along radiant tray 200.This disparate exposure may result in differential wear, efficiency, anddeterioration along regions of tray 200 or a set of trays 200. Variousembodiments of grills 100 and radiant trays 200 described herein may beconfigured to address disparate use by providing mechanisms to normalizeuse along the various regions of the radiant tray 200 or set of trays200.

In one example, grill 100 is configured to selectively receive aplurality of tray modules. With reference again to FIGS. 1B-1E, threetray modules 200, 200′, 200″, each corresponding to a burner assembly121, 121′, 121″, wherein each tray module 200, 200′, 200″ may beselectively inserted and removed by the user. In another or furtheraspect, the tray modules 200, 200′, 200″ may be interchangeable allowingusers to swap or relocate tray modules 200, 200′, 200″ between the threelocations. In yet another or further aspect, tray modules 200, 200′,200″ may be rotatable. For example, the sides 215 a, 215 d of a singletray 200 or trays 200, 200′, 200″ in a modular set may be symmetrical orotherwise compatible for use with either side 215 a, 215 b located inthe forward position of firebox 130.

In still yet another or further aspect, housing 210 may include amodular assembly allowing housing 210 to be opened to expose cavity 212.Housing 210 may then be opened by a user to add, remove, clean, orreplace tiles 220. As most clearly shown in the exploded view in FIG.11D, radiant tray 200 includes a modular housing assembly according tovarious embodiments. In particular, housing 210 includes a first platen230 and a second platen 230′. The first platen 230 and second platen230′ are structured to mount together to form at least a portion ofcavity 212. The first platen 230 and second platen 230′ are attachablewherein, when attached, first platen 230 forms first wall 211 a andsecond platen 230′ forms second wall 211 b of housing 210. The firstplaten 230 and second platen 230′ may further include or attach to oneor more sidewalls 231 a, 231 b, 231 c, 231 a′, 231 b′, 231 c′.

One or more sidewalls 231 a, 231 b, 231 c, 231 a′, 231 b′, 231 c′ mayinclude a flange for providing desired mounting, spacing, or bothbetween the platens 230, 230′. For example, as most clearly illustratedin the exploded view of FIG. 11D, flanges 232, 232′ may extend fromsidewalls 231 b, 231 c, 231 b′, 231 c′ of platens 230, 230′. Flanges 232may be positioned to align with corresponding flanges 232′ when the twoplatens 230, 230′ are brought together for attachment.

The platens 230, 230′ may be attached along one or more attachmentpoints 233 to form the housing 210. For example, one or more of theflanges 232, 232′ may include attachment points 233 for attaching joinedplatens 230, 230′. In the illustrated embodiment, each platen 230, 230′includes four flanges 232, 232′ that define holes positioned to alignwith corresponding holes defined in a corresponding flange 232, 232′.Fasteners 334 such as screws or bolts may be extended through the holesto attach the platens 230, 230′. In some embodiments, alternative oradditional attachment 233 points or structures may be used. For example,in the illustrated embodiments, the first and second walls 211 a, 211 binclude corresponding holes for receiving fasteners 234 such as bolts orscrews. In some embodiments, attaching the platens 230, 230′ may includeclamping interfacing flanges 232, 232′ together, e.g., with clamps orlatches disposed along the flanges 232, 232′. Accordingly, the platens230, 230′ may be attachable to form the housing 210 and therebetweengrasp tiles 220 within corresponding tile slots 213 when the walls 211a, 211 b are brought together. Spacing between the first wall 211 a andsecond wall 211 b may be provided by the height of the sidewalls 231 a,231 b, 231 c, 231 a′, 231 b′, 231 c′, flanges 232, 232′, or combinationthereof. In some embodiments, the housing 210 may include spacerslocatable within the interior cavity 212 to provide desired spacing.Spacers may be used instead of, or in combination with, sidewalls 231 a,231 b, 231 c, 231 a′, 231 b′, 231 c′ or flanges 232, 232′.

While various features may be described herein with respect to walls 211a, 211 b or platens 230, 230′ it is to be understood that such featuresmay be similarly applicable to modular housing configurations employingplatens 230, 230′, as described herein, or more generally as applied towalls 211 a, 211 b.

As noted above, grease and debris from food may deposit on the surfacesof the tiles 220 and walls 211 a, 211 b, slowly reducing the radiantefficiency of the tray 200. However, in one aspect, a radiant tray 200,grill 100, or both may be configured for double sided operations. Insome embodiments, for example, the tray 200 may have dimensionalsymmetry about a common or central plane between the first wall 211 aand second wall 211 b to support inverted (or “flipped”) use of the tray200.

Walls 211 a, 211 b may be symmetrical such that housing 210 may beflipped to flip the direction walls 211 a, 211 b and ends 221 a, 221 bof the tiles face. When flipped, tiles 220 may be positioned at alocation within firebox 130 that was occupied by another tile 220 priorto housing 210 being flipped. In one example, such as the embodimentsshown in FIGS. 11A-12, tile slots 213 align between first and secondwalls 211 a, 211 b and, when the housing 210 is inverted, the tile slots213 through the first wall 211 a position at the same relative locationsas the tile slots 213 through the second wall 211 b prior to inversionof the housing 210. The tile slots 213 through the second wall 211 bsimilarly position at the same relative locations as the tile slots 213through the first wall 211 a prior to inversion. In some embodiments,such symmetry may require or further include 180 degree rotation ofhousing 210 with respect to the forward and rear of grill 100. In someembodiments, platens 230, 230 may be square and support inversion andone or more of 90 degree, 180 degree, 270 degree rotation. In one suchexample, the location of the location of the tiles slots 213 in both thefirst wall 211 a and second wall 211 b are symmetrically positioned toprovide the same tile slot 213 configuration and tile 220 positioning ineach inverted and rotated orientation. In any event, when configured forinvertible use, the radiant tray 200 permits selective use of eitherwall 211 a, 211 b in an upward or downward facing orientation.

In some examples, each wall 211 a, 211 b may have one or more of lateral(side-to-side) or longitudinal (end-to-end) reflection symmetry withrespect to tile slots 213, vent slots 214, or both. One or more of thetile slots 213, vent slots 214, or both along each wall 211 a, 211 b ofsome such examples may align, be partially offset, or completely offset.For example, each of the first and second walls 211 a, 211 b of radianttray 200 shown in FIGS. 11A-11D have longitudinal and lateral symmetrywith respect to tile slots 213 and longitudinal symmetry with respect tovent ports 214. Both walls 211 a, 211 b may be the same wherein thefirst wall 211 a is inverted and flipped 180 degrees when joined withthe second wall 211 b. Thus, a user may flip the radiant tray 200 toexpose the first wall 211 a, which may have been previously exposed tothe underside of the food supporting grid 140, to the direct heat andflames above the burners 120. When the residue is exposed more directlyto the flames following inversion, the residue may rapidly transform bypyrolysis into porous carbonaceous residue. This residue is more easilyscrapped or brushed away from the generally planar surface of the tiles220 and walls 211 a, 211 b, e.g., platens 230, 230′, with wire brushesas pyrolysis reduces the adhesion of the residue. Accordingly, whileradiant tray 200 may eventually collect such food residue, the tray 200is configured for easier cleaning without downtime of the grill 100 byperiodically flipping radiant tray 200. As described in more detailbelow, the surface of the platens 230, 230′ may be generally co-planarwith surfaces at ends 221 a, 221 b, except for one or more raisedsurface features, such as dimples 226 (e.g., FIGS. 11C & 13), along thetile surfaces. Such surface features may breakup the planar surfacereducing the ability of residues to tightly adhere to the surface orenhance the ability to remove residues adhered between the planarsurface and the surface features. For example, raised surface featuresmay prevent formation of uniform layers adhering across the surface.Breaking the planar surface with surface features may make it easier toclean residue from the platens 230, 230′ and tiles 220 with fewerstrokes of a wire brush. Surface features may also be sized to notimpede the movement of the brushes or efficiency of the wires. Forexample, surface features may have smooth edges or transitions acrosstheir surfaces, e.g., arcuate or spherical profiles.

Thus, in various embodiments, a radiant tray 200 may be adapted forreceiving a plurality of tiles 220. The tiles 220 may be mountablebetween platens 230, 230′ and one or more ends 221 a, 221 b of the tiles220 may be exposed when stably positioned within the housing 210. Thetray 200 may be one or more of interchangeable with adjacent trays 200′,200″, configured for double sided use, rotatable, flippable, or anycombination thereof.

In one aspect, tiles 220 may include one or more contoured surfacesdimensioned to reduce the ability of residue to adhere thereto or easeremoval of residue. For example, as most clearly shown in FIGS. 13-14B,the generally planar first and second ends 221 a, 221 b of a tile 220may include small convex dimples 226 positioned to break up the charredresidue of drippings, a porous carbonaceous residue, into smallerregions that are less likely to adhere to the metal and ceramic. As aresult, it may be easier to periodically remove residue and improveradiant efficiency. The dimples 226 shown are rounded and sphericallyraised; however, in other embodiments, dimples 226 may include othershapes, e.g., square, rectangular, or other geometric or non-geometricshapes. Various embodiments may include other or additional contoursalong the first end 221 a, second end 221 b, or both such as concavedimples, grooves, ridges, wave patterns, cross-hatching, etc. Additionalor fewer dimples may also be used.

In the embodiments illustrated in FIGS. 1B-1E & 11A-13, the tiles 220are stably positioned within the cavity 212 in a generally parallelorientation with respect to the housing 210 and walls 211 a, 211 bthereof. That is, the central plane A extending through the thicknessdimension of the tiles 220 extends generally parallel to a central planeextending through the thickness dimension of the housing 210. Theillustrated tiles 230 are also generally symmetrical with respect to thecentral plane A, and, when mounted in the housing 210, the first end 221a of each tile locates within or faces a tile slot 213 defined by thefirst wall 211 a and the second end 221 b of each tile 220 locateswithin or faces the corresponding tile slot 213 defined by the secondwall 211 b. However, in various embodiments, the radiant tray 200 may beconfigured to stably position tiles 220 at non-parallel angles. Someradiant trays 200 may be configured to stably position tiles 220 atparallel as well as non-parallel angles. In these or other embodiments,tiles 220 may lack symmetry with respect to central plane A.

With reference to FIGS. 15A-18B, in one aspect, the radiant tray 200,tiles 220, or both may be configured to stably position tiles 220 suchthat a first portion 227 a, 227 b of each end 221 a, 221 b protrudesthrough the same tile slot 213 of the first wall 211 a and a secondportion 228 a, 228 b of each of the first end 221 a and the second end221 b protrude through the corresponding tile slot 213 of the secondwall 211 b. In various embodiments, the central plane A of one or moretiles 220 mounted at a non-parallel angle may be disposed at an anglebetween 30 and 150 degrees with respect to the central plane of thehousing 210, the exterior surface of the first or second wall 211 a, 211b, or any combination thereof. The central plane A of the tiles 220 maybe parallel to each other, as shown in the illustrated embodiment, orone or more tiles may be positioned at non-parallel angles to eachother.

The radiant trays 200 shown in FIGS. 15A-17 may be similar to theradiant tray 200 described above with respect to FIGS. 11A-13. Forexample, the housing 210 may include a first wall 211 a and a secondwall 211 b, each defining a plurality of tile slots 213 and vent ports214. The radiant tray 200 is generally symmetrical to support modular,rotatable, and flippable positioning within the firebox 130, asdescribed above. The radiant tray 200 also comprises a modular assemblyincluding a first platen 230 comprising the first wall 211 a and asecond platen 230′ comprising the second wall 211 b. The first andsecond platens 230, 230′ include corresponding flanges 232, 232′ thatinterface for attachment of the platens 230, 230′ to form the housing210. Holes are formed through the flanges 232, 232′ and platens 230,230′ for insertion of fasteners 234, such as screws or bolts.

In some embodiments, the radiant tray 200 includes spacers betweenplatens 230, 230′ to maintain a desired spacing between the first wall211 a and second wall 211 b. For example, FIG. 15C illustrates anembodiment of the radiant tray 200 shown in FIGS. 15A & 15B that employsspacers 240, 240′ located between the platens 230, 230′ within theinterior cavity 212 of the housing 210 between the first wall 211 a andthe second wall 211 b. Attachment points 233, 233′ comprising holes arelocated along the first and second walls 211 a, 211 b and the spacers240, 240′ for insertion of fasteners 234, e.g., screws or bolts, toattach the spacers 240, 240′ within the housing 210.

In one embodiment, at least one platen 230, 230′ is dimensioned toinclude a profile forming an integrated spacer along a central region ofthe platen 230, 230′ configured to space apart the platens 230, 230′when attached. For example, FIG. 16 illustrates an embodiment of aradiant tray 200 comprising at least one integrated spacer 241, 241′along a central region of one or both platens 230, 230′. The radianttray 200 shown in FIG. 16 is configured to grasp tiles 220 at obliqueangles, similar to the tray 200 shown in FIGS. 15A-15C and furtherinclude attachable platens 230, 230′ to grasp tiles between tile slots213 and vent ports 214 for venting, as described above with respect toFIGS. 11A-12 and FIGS. 15A-15C. Also similar to the trays 200 shown inFIGS. 11A-12 and FIGS. 15A-15C, the radiant tray 200 shown in FIG. 16includes sidewalls 231 b, 231 b′, 231 c, 231 c′ structured to spaceapart platens 230, 230′ when attached. Such sidewalls 231 b, 231 b′, 231c, 231 c′ may therefore function as integrated spacers. Each platens230, 230′ in FIG. 16 also includes integrated spacers 240, 240′ betweensides 215 b, 215 c and ends 215 a, 215 d comprising two central ridges242 a, 242 a′, 242 b, 242 b′ extending along the length of the platen230, 230′. The ridges 242 a, 242 a′, 242 b, 242 b′ form grooves alongthe planar outer surfaces of the walls 211 a, 211 b and include ventports 214 along the bases of the grooves. Attachment holes 233 are alsodefined through the bases of the grooves for receiving attachmentmembers 234 such as screws or bolts. In other embodiments, the planarouter surfaces of the walls 211 a, 211 b are not broken-up by grooves.For example, ridges 242 a, 242 a′, 242 b, 242 b′ may be enclosed alongthe planar surface of the walls 211 a, 211 b. In this or anotherexample, integrated spacers 240, 240′ include one or more extensionsfrom the underside of the wall 211 a, 211 b that interface with one ormore extensions or the underside of the opposing wall 211 a, 211 b tospace apart the platens 230, 230′. The overlying surface of wall 211 a,211 b may be planar or non-planar.

In some embodiments, integrated spacers 240, 240′ comprising ridges orextensions from one or both walls 211 a, 211 b may extend along all or aportion of the length or width of the platen 230, 230′. The integratedspacers 240, 240′ may correspond when the platens 230, 230′ attach,e.g., as shown in FIG. 16; however, in some embodiments, one or moreintegrated spacers 240, 240 do not interface with each other but ratherinterface with the planar platen surface.

With continued reference to FIGS. 11A-12 & 15A-16, the vent ports 214define square and rectangular profiles; however, in other embodiments,vent ports 214 may define other profile shapes such as rounded, oblong,quadrilateral, geometric, or non-geometric shapes. The vent ports 214defined along end 216 a and end 216 b of the first wall 211 a arepositioned to substantially align with vent ports 214 defined along end216 c and end 216 d of the second wall 211 b. Additional vent ports 214defined in the second wall 211 b between the tile slots 213 arepartially offset with respect to the vent ports 214 positioned betweenthe tile slots 213 along the first wall 211 a. Three of the vent ports214 positioned between the tile slots 213 most proximal to the end 216 bof the first wall 211 a are smaller than the three correspondingpartially offset vent ports 214 defined along the second wall 211 b. Thealigned vent ports 214 along ends 216 a, 216 b, 216 c, 216 d of thewalls 211 a, 211 b define larger areas than the partially offset ventports 214 positioned between the tile slots 213. In other embodiments,some or all the vent ports 214 may be aligned, partially offset(including corresponding vent ports 214 having different sized or shapedprofiles), completely offset, or combination thereof.

The housing 210 defines staggered tile slots 213 along the first wall211 a and second wall 211 b sized to grasp tiles 220 at oblique angles.The degree of staggering, size, or both may be varied to change theangle in which tiles 220 may be grasped. Tiles 220 may also bestructured to be stably positioned at a particular angle or range ofangles. For example, tiles 220 may include structures such asprotrusions, ridges, grooves, slots, etc. that may engage edges of thetile slots 213, wedge between the interior surfaces of the first andsecond platens 230, 230′, or prevent the tiles 220 from being removedfrom the housing 210 through the tile slots 213.

In the illustrated embodiment, and with further reference to FIGS.17-18B, tiles include lateral ridges 250 a, 250 b that extend across thetile diameter along the surfaces at each end 221 a, 221 b of the tile220. The ridges 250 a, 250 b are dimensioned to interface with the edgesof the tile slots 213 along the interior side of the walls 211 a, 211 b.For example, the ridge 250 a at the first end 221 a of the tile includesa face 251 a positioned to interface with an interior side of the firstwall 211 a and the ridge 250 b along the second end 211 b of the tile230 includes a face 251 b positioned to interface with an interior sideof the second wall 211 b. Faces 251 a, 251 b extend along parallelplanes and at face angles β from the central plane A of the tile 220,which may define the angle at which the tile 220 is grasped. The faces251 a, 251 b are also generally directed in opposite directions. In theillustrated embodiment, the face angle β of both faces 251 a, 251 b areapproximately 60 degrees (+/−2 degrees) to provide a correspondingapproximately 60 degree (+/−2 degree) tile angle α when grasped by thehousing 210. Thus, the orientation of the tile 220 may be flipped.

Each ridge 250 a, 250 b also includes a second face 252 a, 252 b. Thesecond face 252 a, 252 b may provide a second angle for positioning ofthe tile 220, e.g., rotating the orientation of the tile 220. In theillustrated embodiment, the second faces 252 a, 252 b extend at asimilar angle as the first faces 251 a, 251 b with respect to thecentral plane A of the tile 220 and face generally opposite directions.Other face angles β may be used, including faces 251 a, 251 b beingpositioned at a different face angle β than faces 252 a, 252 b. Such anarrangement may allow the tile 220 to be rotated and grasped at adifferent angle, providing an alternative tile angle α. Thus, faces 251a, 251 b may extend along parallel planes and be angled relative torespective tile surfaces or central plane A of the tile to position thetile 220 at a first oblique angle in a first orientation and faces 252a, 252 b may extend along parallel planes and be angled relative torespective tile surfaces or central plane of the tile to position thetile 220 at a second oblique angle in a second orientation. The firstand second oblique angles may be the same or different. In oneembodiment, tile slots 213 may be wider to accommodate grasping tiles atdifferent angles. Tiles 220 having faces 252 a, 252 b positioned at asecond angle that is different than the first angle of faces 251 a, 251b may also be used with a second set of platens or another platenattached to one of platens 230, 230′ to provide a different staggeredrelationship between the corresponding tile slots 213 in order to grasptiles at angles provided by the second angle of faces 252 a, 252 b.

The tiles 220 shown in this embodiment have a round profile orcross-section; however, in some embodiments, tiles 220 defining othershapes may be used, e.g., rectangular, square, geometric, ornon-geometric shapes. It will be understood that other platen 230, 230′configurations may be used to form the housing 210. In one embodiment,the platens 230, 230′ may not include flanges 232, 232′ and the platens230, 230′ may form the housing 210 by compression against the tiles 220using bolts, clamps, or other suitable manner of attachment adjacent tothe tiles 220. Platens 230, 230′ may attach to spacers 240, each other,or both. In one embodiment, platens 230, 230′ are attached along oneside by a hinge allowing the platens 230, 230′ to be opened and closedlike a butterfly. The platens 230, 230′ may then be retained in theclosed position using bolts, clamps, or other suitable structures alongthe perimeter, e.g., flanges 232, 232′, or along the walls 211 a, 211 b.

While the illustrated radiant trays 200 are rectangular, in otherembodiments, the housing 210 may include first and second generallyplanar sides 211 a, 211 b defining other shapes such as square, round,oblong, geometric, and non-geometric shapes. Tiles 220 may similarlyinclude shapes other than square or rectangular. For example, tiles 220may have first and second generally planar sides having rounded, oblong,or other geometric, or non-geometric shapes. In one embodiment, one orboth of the first and second ends 221 a, 221 b may be non-planar. Forexample, one or both ends 221 a, 221 b may have pyramid or conicaldimensions that extend through the tile slots 213 and protrude outwardof the housing 210.

FIGS. 19-20B illustrate an improved gas burner assembly 190. Gas burnerassembly 190 may be positionable in firebox 130 and operable to receivea supply of combustible gas. Burner assembly 190 includes a stem 1210and a plurality of side branches 1211 extending from opposing sides ofstem 1210. The side branches 1211 may orthogonally insect the stem 1210along a central portion of each branch 1211 to extend approximately asame distance from the stem 1210 in two directions. An inlet 1212 ispositioned at a first end of stem 1210 through which combustible gas maybe delivered into a flow path defined within stem 1210. The flow pathextends from the inlet 1212 to an internal venturi 1250 to acceleratecombustible gas through the flow path along stem 1210 and side branches1211.

Internal venturi 1250 includes a mouth 1251 downstream from the inlet1212 and a restriction orifice 1252 downstream from the mouth. Theinternal venturi 1250 defines a progressively decreasing volume betweenthe mouth 1251 and the restriction orifice 1252. Stem 1210 and sidebranches 1211 may each define a plurality of holes 1213 along the flowpath to provide exit ports for combustible gas to escape burner assembly190 as flame. Gas burner assembly 190 may comprise a gas burner manifold190 a. In some embodiments, gas burner assembly 190 may include multiplegas burner manifolds 190 a each including a modular stem 1210 and havinga plurality of side branches 1211. For example, with further referenceto FIG. 1E, the gas burner assembly 190 includes three burner manifolds190 a, 190 b, 190 c, each including a stem 1210 and a plurality of sidebranches 1211. In some preferred embodiments, the grill constructionwithin the firebox 130 is modularized in that each of 2 or more gasburner manifolds 190 a, 190 b, 190 c corresponds to a laterallyoverlying combination of a radiant tray 200, 200′, 200″ and a foodsupport module 141, 141′, 141″, as illustrated in FIG. 1E for example.

In further preferred embodiments, with reference to FIG. 21, any of 2 ormore gas burner manifolds 190 a, 190 b, 190 c and radiant trays 200,200′, 200″ may be selectively removed and replaced with an IR burnermodule 180 a, which may be similar to IR burner 180. IR burner module180 a may be positioned in firebox 130 in an upward facing orientationto provide the corresponding overlaid food support module 141″ as alocation along the food support region 108 for quickly searing food withvery high heat. In such a location the food may be simultaneously searedon both sides by the downward facing IR burner 180, as well as theupward facing IR burner 180 a, which has been inserted in firebox 130 inplace of the combination radiant tray 200 and gas burner module 190 cshown in FIG. 1E. The food disposed between the IR burners 180 a, 180may also be supported on upper food support grate 140 b. The upper foodsupport 140 b may be selectively lowered on bracket 122, as describedabove, to generally dispose the food equidistant from each IR burner 180a, 180 and hence sear both sides at the same time to obtain a more evencooking and heat penetration.

It is generally preferred to construct the radiant tray 200 in such amanner that the ceramic or refractory tile 220 inserts that retain heatare generally disposed immediately above the stem 1210 and side branches1211 of the underlying gas burner module 190 a, 190 b, 190 c. Thisprovides for more rapid heating of these tiles 220 as well as fastercleaning when they are inverted to facilitate the rapid pyrolysis offood dripping. FIGS. 22A & 22B illustrate bottom views of radiant trays200 positioned over gas burner modules 190 according to variousembodiments. Stems 1210 are disposed below the tiles 220 that run up themiddle of the radiant trays 200, while the side branches 1211 runlateral across and under the tiles 220 that run in the cross wisedirection. The vent ports 214 in the tray 200 are disposed over the gapsbetween the side branches 1211. The above arrangement allows for amargin of offsetting of the corresponding burner manifolds 190 a, 190 b,190 c and trays 200 from center, for example, as shown in FIG. 22B. Ascan be seen, the trellis configuration of the burner manifolds 190 a,190 b, 190 c and the tile 220 and vent port 214 configuration of thetrays 200 complement to accommodate additional lateral offsetting ineither right or left directions. For example, even when stem 1210 ispositioned below outer longitudinal tile rows gas ports 1213 (see FIG.19) and branches 1211 are protected from falling food by flanges 232.Thus, branches 1211 may be spaced apart at distances corresponding tothe lateral tile rows across the tray 200. In the illustratedembodiment, the branches 1211 are spaced apart at lengths correspondingto the largest areas occupied by tiles 220 across the width of the trays200. Flanges 232 may also be positioned along sides at positionscorresponding to the distances between branches 1211, lateral tile rows,largest areas occupied by tiles 220 across the width of the trays 200,or combination thereof.

Similarly, having a single food support grate 140 a, and upper rimdisposed support member associated therewith, disposed to providecorresponding lateral overlap with the upward facing IR burner 180 a,also provides an opportunity to use the higher heat of the upward facingIR burner 180 a to clean each of the equal sized food support regions asneeded, by inverting the dirty side to face the IR burner 180 a.

It should be appreciated that an upward facing IR burner 180 a isusually covered by a mesh, screen or perforated plate to preclude largerpieces of food or carbonaceous residue from falling on the perforatedceramic elements that acts as miniature gas outlets. Smaller pieces ofresidue that fall through such mesh or holes are rapidly evaporated bythe higher heat of the IR burner surface.

IR burners for gas grills are generally disclosed in further detail inU.S. Pat. No. 4,886,044 (Best, 12 Dec. 1989), U.S. Pat. No. 3,547,097(Lester, 15 Dec. 1970) and U.S. Pat. No. 6,114,666 (Best, 2 Sep. 2000),all of which are hereby incorporated herein by reference.

The modular construction of the gas burner assembly 190, food supportgrate 140 a, and radiant tray 200 (if deployed) having the same lateraldimensions also facilitates the manufacture of grills and custom grillsthat deploy common components in which the grills firebox 130 need onlybe widened or narrower to accommodate more or less of the respectivemodules.

While the invention has been described in connection with a preferredembodiment, it is not intended to limit the scope of the invention tothe particular form set forth, but on the contrary, it is intended tocover such alternatives, modifications, and equivalents as may be withinthe spirit and scope of the invention as defined by the appended claims.Similarly, it is contemplated that the various features may be suitablymodified for beneficial applications to current and future grill designsaccording to the teachings herein. For example, it is to be understoodthat the herein disclosed radiant trays and components thereof may beadapted for use with various grill styles. New or existing grills maysimilarly be adapted for use with the herein described radiant trays andcomponents thereof. Thus, it is to be understood that the illustratedembodiments present but one non-limiting example of the various featuresand combinations of such various features that may be employedconsistent with the present disclosure.

What is claimed is:
 1. A grilling apparatus, the apparatus comprising: agrill body comprising a firebox adapted to burn a source of fuel below afood supporting region above the firebox between forward, rear, andfirst and second lateral edges of an upper rim of the firebox; a hoodhaving an arm mounted to the grill body at a pivot and pivotable thereonabove the food supporting region through an angular pivot range betweena closed position and a fully open position; and a counterbalancemechanism to stably counterbalance the hood at partially open positionsalong a counterbalanced portion of the angular pivot range of the hood,the counter balance mechanism comprising a cam having a first end and asecond end, and a lever having a first end and a second end, wherein thefirst end of the cam is coupled to the arm, wherein the first end of thelever is pivotably coupled to the second end of the cam, and wherein thelever is biased to apply a counterbalance force to the arm via the camwith respect to the center of gravity (COG) of the hood along thecounterbalanced portion of the angular range.
 2. The apparatus of claim1, wherein the counterbalanced portion of the angular pivot rangeextends between approximately greater than 0 degrees and approximately60 degrees from the closed position.
 3. The apparatus of claim 1,wherein the counterbalanced portion of the angular pivot range extendsbetween approximately 6 degrees and approximately 65 degrees from theclosed position.
 4. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the lever isbiased by a spring having a first end mounted to the grill body and asecond end mounted to a second end of the lever, wherein the lever ismovable relative to the first end of the spring to change theconformation of the spring, and wherein when the hood is in the closedposition the spring is one of compressed or decompressed relative to itsresting position and pivoting of the second end of the cam relative tothe first end of the lever changes the conformation of the spring towardits resting position.
 5. The apparatus of claim 4, wherein the lever ismovable relative to the first end of the spring to increase or decreasea distance between the first end and the second end of the spring,wherein when the hood is in the closed position the spring is compressedfrom its resting position and pivoting of the second end of the camrelative to the first end of the lever decompresses the spring towardits resting position.
 6. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the grillbody includes a frame member adjacent to and extending above the firstlateral edge of the upper rim of the firebox, wherein the pivot isfixedly mounted to the frame member, and wherein the second end of thecam and the first end of the lever relatively pivot within a cavitydefined within the frame member.
 7. The apparatus of claim 1, whereinthe COG of the hood is forward of the pivot when the hood is in theclosed position, and wherein the counterbalanced portion of the angularpivot range extends from a partially open position wherein the COG ofthe hood is forward of the pivot to a partially open position whereinthe COG of the hood is approximately over the pivot.
 8. The apparatus ofclaim 1, wherein the COG of the hood is forward of the pivot when thehood is in the closed position, wherein the counterbalance mechanismprovides opening assist between the counterbalanced portion of theangular pivot range to a partially open position wherein the COG of thehood is approximately over the pivot.
 9. The apparatus of claim 8,wherein a force of approximately 5 lbf or less is sufficient to pivotthe hood from fully closed position to the counterbalanced portion ofthe angular pivot range.
 10. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the biasof the lever provides opening assist between the closed position and thecounterbalanced portion of the angular pivot range, and wherein a forceof approximately 5 lbf or less is sufficient to pivot the hood from theclosed position to the counterbalanced portion of the angular pivotrange.
 11. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the COG of the hood isforward of the pivot in the closed position and rear of the pivot whenthe hood is in the fully open position, wherein the lever provides aclosing assist bias to arm between the fully open position and apartially open position wherein the COG of the hood is approximatelyover the pivot.
 12. The apparatus of claim 11, wherein a force ofapproximately 5 lbf or less is sufficient to pivot the hood from fullyopen position to the counterbalanced portion of the angular pivot range.